LIONS HAVE HISTORY ON THEIR SIDE

ASHLEY BROWNE

When it comes to the state rivalry games, the QClash has long lagged behind. The South Australian Showdown and the Western and Sydney derbies have long had it over the biannual clashes between Brisbane and Gold Coast when it comes to drama, excitement and unpredictability.

Heading into Saturday night’s clash at the Gabba, the Lions hold a 17-6 lead in head-to-head play against the mob down the freeway.

Recent history is even more unkind, with Brisbane winning the past eight matches between them by an average margin of just under eight goals.

The home team is strongly favoured to win again.

The Lions have won their past six games and are coming off an impressive 42-point win over Essendon, highlighted by a six-goal haul to Joe Daniher.

Brisbane made three key acquisitions to its squad over the summer and all have become key parts of Chris Fagan’s arsenal.

Josh Dunkley is the dual inside/outside presence the midfield lacked, especially when engine room battles become especially frantic during the finals.

Jack Gunston has added class and experience to the forward line as the third tall, while Conor McKenna provides dash off half-back.

Adding to the difficult task facing Gold Coast is the Lions’ imposing form at home this year.

They beat Melbourne by 11 points in their home opener and since then have won by 33, 48 and 42 points. The days of the ‘Gabbatoir’ might be back.

Yet the Suns will be itching for the challenge.

They have won three of their past four games and were ruthless at Optus Stadium last week, dispatching West Coast by 70 points for the largest away win in the club’s history.

Many of the pieces are coming together for Gold Coast with Charlie Ballard and Sam Collins anchoring the defence, while full-forward Ben King has put last year’s ACL injury behind him and is back to his best.

But the feature here will be the midfield. Matt Rowell is in rare form, leading the AFL in tackles and pressure acts and is fifth for contested possessions. Noah Anderson is also flying.

If the Suns can control the midfield, they’ll sniff an upset.