SUMMARY

There's so much riding on the 10th edition of the QClash – but for all the wrong reasons. The Lions and Suns have had disastrous seasons, winning just four games between them, but there's still state pride on the line at the Gabba. Even more so, there's the chance to take one step closer to avoiding the ignominy of 'winning' the wooden spoon. Gold Coast has shown a vast improvement in recent weeks, capped off with a draw against second-placed West Coast in its last start. Meanwhile, the Lions are free-falling, having lost 10 straight and now missing their best player, Dayne Beams, for the rest of the season. In the corresponding match last year, the hosts ambushed the favoured Suns and will be hoping for more of the same this time. They'll need to improve dramatically on recent form to do so.

WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, August 8, 4.35pm
 AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES

R5, 2015, Gold Coast 18.10 (118) d Brisbane Lions 7.12 (54) at Metricon Stadium
R18, 2014, Brisbane Lions 16.14 (110) d Gold Coast 8.8 (56) at the Gabba
R3, 2014, Gold Coast 17.12 (114) d Brisbane Lions 9.7 (61) at Metricon Stadium
R15, 2013, Brisbane Lions17.14 (116) d Gold Coast 12.11 (83) at the Gabba
R3, 2013, Brisbane Lions 13.16 (94) d Gold Coast 13.14 (92) at Metricon Stadium

THE SIX POINTS

1. It was a combination of small and tall forwards that did the damage for the Suns earlier this season. Charlie Dixon and Tom Lynch kicked nine goals between them, while Harley Bennell, Jack Martin and Brandon Matera combined for five goals.

2. Both teams have struggled in most areas this season, currently ranked in the bottom three for kicks, handballs, disposals and marks inside 50.

3. Gold Coast won the first contest between the clubs in 2011, the Lions then won the next five including three by more than 50 points, before the Suns won again.

4. One area the Lions have been competitive this season is clearances, ranked equal fourth at 40.6 a game, compared to the Suns ranked 11th with 39.1 a game.

5. The Lions continue to struggle to score. In their past five games - all losses - they’ve averaged only 45 points a game, kicking eight goals or less in every outing.

6. Tom Lynch's four goals against West Coast has helped him vault to sixth among key forwards in the AFL Official Player Ratings. He is now a career-high 63rd overall.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Charlie Dixon
The big Suns forward has been in prime form of late, kicking 15 goals in his past five matches. He is out of contract at season's end and being openly courted by the Lions. Could this be a job interview of sorts for Dixon, or a reminder to the Suns of just how important he is to them?

PREDICTION: Suns by 15 points