By Grant Hitzman
Brisbane Lions co-captain, Jonathan Brown, predicts that sparks will fly when the Lions take on Gold Coast in QClash 6 at the Gabba tomorrow.
Brown expects the local derby to reach new competitive heights from here on out as Gold Coast continue to establish themselves as a legitimate AFL calibre club.
“This is probably the first year where people externally have thought this is a competitive battle we’ve had,” said Brown.
“It is definitely a big rivalry for us and it is important we get bragging rights. It means a lot, I think it’s going to be the toughest battle we will have. It will definitely be physical.”
Gold Coast veteran, Campbell Brown, agrees with his Brisbane rival, acknowledging the Suns desperately need a win after losing 4 of their last 5 games.
“Everyone has been patting us on the back because we have been competitive against some good sides, but the fact of the matter is we haven’t got the four points on too many occasions,” Brown said.
“It’s a huge game for the club, if we want to continue to look towards playing later in the year we need to start winning games of football, and we need to start winning this weekend.”
The Lions have emerged victorious in four of the five QClash encounters, most recently by 2 points at Metricon in Round 3.
In a major blow for the Lions, veteran midfielder Simon Balck has been ruled out (groin), but key defender Daniel Merrett was named in the starting side, after missing last weekend’s clash with Hawthorn through injury.
Sam Docherty will also miss through a back injury.
Gold Coast, meanwhile, will regain utility Luke Russell. Charlie Dixon and Harley Bennell are also chances of returning for the clash.
With three out of the five QClash games won by less than 2 goals, both teams will be sure to raise the level of competition to claim bragging rights as Queensland’s premier team. QClash 6 will commence this Saturday, July 6 at 4:40pm.
