Dixon and Smith shared the points with Swans premiership duo Shane Mumford and Mike Pyke at the SCG, but confront a different challenge against the Lions.
Matthew Leuenberger made a promising return from a 12-month lay-off with an Achilles injury against Adelaide and presents a test at both stoppages and around the ground.
Smith and Leuenberger may be opponents on Saturday, but they're cut from the same cloth – tall, athletic and mobile around the ground.
Dixon is an old school footballer who is aggressive, loves a contest and can take a grab when he goes forward.
Preview: Suns v Lions
Primus has worked closely with both Suns since coming to the club and has been impressed with their progress.
"They got a great test last week against Pyke and Mumford and held their own but they're going to have to step it up this week," Primus said.
"Leuenberger was fantastic last week. We think it's going to be a great battle and I know our boys are looking forward to taking it to them. It's going to be a crucial contest for our two blokes."
Although they lost the hit-out count 57-38, Smith and Dixon competed well against the Swans, playing a key role in the Suns midfielders winning the clearances 49-47.
Dixon had 18 disposals and kicked three goals, while Smith provided one of the early season highlights with his running three-bounce goal.
Primus was full of praise for Leuenberger.
"He's got some immense talent, he moves well, he can jump, he's aggressive, good skills for a big fella," he said.
"We rate him very highly but we rate our guys pretty highly too. They can test themselves against a guy in pretty good form.
"We're under no illusions, we think Brisbane's form is good.
"Last week … they had every opportunity to win that game and Adelaide are a good team. We're happy with how we're travelling but we need to step it up again this week. We think we're a great chance to get over the top of them."
Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
