By Ant Wingard
Queensland’s two AFL sides won’t have to wait long to renew their rivalry when the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership season rolls around with the two clubs set to face off as early as Round 6.
The Brisbane Lions will make the trip down the M1 to face Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in2019’s first QClash, which is scheduled for the 1:45pm afternoon timeslot on April 27.
With the ledger sitting at 9-6 in favour of the Lions, the SUNS will be eager to avenge the record on home soil.
Brisbane will have their chance to host QClash at the Gabba in Round 21 during the 4:45pm twilight spot.
Interestingly, neither side has been able to claim the win at home in their most recent contest; with the Lions tasting victory on the coast in Round 22 and the SUNS doing the same in the state’s capital back in 5.
The rivalry between the Lions and Suns for state pride in Queensland has historically been a tight contest with five of the last seven QClash showdowns having been decided by three goals or less.
The 2019 fixture, which was announced at 11:15am on November 1 – the start day for the new league year, has provided Queensland’s footy fans with an abundance of opportunities to see their side lay a claim for the four points each week.
Brisbane will kick off their season at home in Round 1 against reigning premiers West Coast while Gold Coast will make their 2019 home debut in Round 2 against another West Australian team in Fremantle.
The Lions will host Collingwood in Round 5 in a much-anticipated Good Friday-eve showdown which pits former Brisbane skipper Dayne Beams against his former club.
Former Gold Coast captain Steven May will make his first trip back to Queensland in Round 8 to face his old side as the SUNS host Melbourne on Saturday May 11 and Tom Lynch will do the same as Richmond head to Metricon Stadium in Round 16.
North Queensland will again have their opportunity to witness Australian Rules football at the elite level as Gold Coast host St Kilda at Riverway Stadium in Round 13 – the first time a game in Townsville will be played for premiership points.
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Gold Coast’s home and away season will conclude against the GWS Giants at Metricon Stadium in Round 23 while Brisbane will head to the MCG to draw curtains on their regular season against the Tigers. The last Brisbane home game will be against Geelong in Round 22.
