DEFENDER Cheynee Stiller said he was hopeful the Brisbane Lions could still make the top eight despite their 0-5 start to the season.

Stiller has played all five matches this season and has been in solid form ahead of Saturday night's QClash against the Gold Coast.

He echoed the sentiments of many Lions this week by saying it was a matter of stringing four quarters together.

The Lions have been in winning positions at three-quarter time in four of their five matches but have come up empty-handed each time.

But Stiller said they had not ruled out a finals appearance.

"We're definitely still hopeful. We've played some good footy over the last five weeks but have not able to put four quarters together, which has been disappointing," he said.

"We've had lapses in our games that have cost us and we could have easily won a couple of games. The form's there and the talent is there and we have just got to put it together in a four quarter effort."

Stiller said it was almost a must-win game but denied the season was over if they lost to the Suns.

The Brisbane born-and-raised product has chalked up 81 games for the Lions and was itching to play a local derby.

"It's a good feeling. I think it's great for Queensland  footy that we've got a game with two sides from Queensland and it means people from Queensland are going to get to watch live footy every weekend," he said.

"I definitely think [the rivalry] will grow. You want to win the first one and try and get a few supporters that might be undecided … we want to get in and grab those ones while we can."

After being flogged by 139 points on Sunday by Essendon, Stiller said the Lions knew exactly what to expect on Saturday night.

"Any team coming off a loss like they did last week will be up and about, so that first quarter will be a real tussle.

"They're not an unknown quantity now, they've played five games and we've watched some footage."