SUMMARY
This will be the sixth, and possibly mostanticipated, installment of the QClash. For the first time since the Suns'dramatic upset in the inaugural clash in 2011, the teams are evenly matched onpaper and on the ladder. There are genuine bragging rights up for grabs and themantle as Queensland's number one team. The young Suns midfield has been onfire in the past month, with Dion Prestia and Jaeger O'Meara particularlydamaging in helping out skipper Gary Ablett. The Lions have shown a much moreconsistent effort since the bye, with the remarkable come-from-behind win overGeelong sandwiched between solid efforts against Fremantle and Hawthorn. Thelast two QClashes have been decided by less than two goals and it wouldn't surpriseto see the same at the weekend.
WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Saturday July6, 4.40pm (AEST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcastguide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3,2013, Brisbane Lions 13.16 (94) d Gold Coast 13.14 (92) at Metricon Stadium
R17,2012, Brisbane Lions 8.11 (59) d Gold Coast 5.18 (48) at Metricon Stadium
R4,2012, Brisbane Lions 17.9 (111) d Gold Coast 6.10 (46) at the Gabba
R21,2011, Brisbane Lions 18.15 (123) d Gold Coast 8.13 (61) at the Gabba
R7,2011, Gold Coast 18.16 (124) d Brisbane Lions 17.14 (116) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. TheLions defeated Gold Coast in a thriller in round tree at Metricon Stadium,winning by two points. Jonathan Brown kicked five goals for the winners andGary Ablett had 27 possessions for the Suns.
2. TheLions have won four of the five clashes between the clubs, including the pastfour after the Suns won the inaugural game in round seven, 2011, at the Gabba.
3. Threeof the five games have been close, decided by less than two goals. The Lionswon the other two by more than 10 goals.
4. GoldCoast has been strong in the contested possessions this season, ranked fourth,while the Lions have struggled, ranked 14th.
5. TheLions' defence has been under the pump this season, conceding 105 points pergame - the third most in the AFL. Only Greater Western Sydney and Melbournehave conceded more.
6.Gold Coast's Dion Prestia has rocketed up the Official AFL Player Ratings thisseason. He finished 2012 ranked 252nd overall, and after 42 disposals lastweek, has vaulted to 148th after 14 rounds.
