By Alice Barker
The Brisbane Lions will head down the highway to meet the Gold Coast SUNS for QClash 17 this weekend at Metricon Stadium, with the contest potentially the most important yet given the standing of both teams in the competition.
Both teams enter the Queensland showdown with a 3-2 record and are among a bevy of teams entrenched in the middle portions of the ladder; all with three wins.
The ledger between the two sides currently sits at 10-6 in favour of the Lions meaning the SUNS will be looking to close the gap on their home turf, despite neither side having won on their home ground in recent clashes.
The QClash rivalry is fierce with five out of the past seven showdowns being won in a three goal or less margin.
Following humbling defeats in their respective Round 4 matchups, both sides are hoping to bring their A-game this weekend with Brisbane coach Chris Fagan suggesting the QClash is the perfect platform for both the Lions and SUNS to return to form.
“I think always coaches are looking for the response after a poor performance,” Fagan said.
“You are going to have patches where you don’t go so well but it’s your ability to bounce back quickly is what you’re looking for and both of us are in the same boat this week.
“That’ll make the competition pretty fierce on Saturday I’d imagine.”
Brisbane’s midfielder Lachie Neale is in fine form averaging 35.8 disposals and was awarded round four’s player of the match.
Charles Cameron has booted four goals for the Lions this season and is hoping to add more to the tally.
The Gold Coast team look ready to contest the Brisbane side, with young wing Jack Bowes proving his worth with a season average of 22.8 disposals.
Early Coleman Medal fancy Alex Sexton continues to command a sizeable presence inside 50 while Touk Miller also enters the QClash in fine form and could once again line up against Brisbane skipper Dayne Zorko.
The Lions will pay their respect to the ANZAC soldiers by sporting their ANZAC colours in this weekend’s clash.
