Brennan won the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best afield in the 18.16 (124) to 17.14 (116).
The Suns had to withstand a final-quarter fightback from the Lions, who levelled the scores courtesy of a brilliant Todd Banfield goal with four minutes remaining.
The Lions had trailed by 18 points at three quarter-time after a sluggish start to the game.
In a match of high drama, Brisbane Lion Andrew Raines was taken off with concussion in the third quarter, and Brennan, Simon Black (ankle) and Gold Coast's Gary Ablett (ribs) carried injuries for much of the match.
There was also a goal umpiring controversy in the second quarter when the Suns' Matt Shaw clearly hit the post with his effort from 50m out and, despite the goal umpire, field umpire and boundary umpire conferring, they still awarded the goal.
Ashley McGrath was swung forward in the second half by coach Michael Voss and booted six goals to bring the his team back to life.
Daniel Rich played one of his best game's for the club, kicking three goals, racking up 26 possessions and five clearances.
The loss leaves the Lions winless after six rounds.
Gold Coast: 6.3 10.8 13.13 18.16 (124)
Brisbane Lions: 3.2 6.5 11.7 17.14 (116)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Krakouer 5, Matera 2, Patrick 2, Lynch 2, Stanley, Shaw, McKenzie, Iles, Harris, Daye, Brennan
Brisbane Lions: McGrath 6, Rich 3, Banfield 2, Clark 2, Polkinghorne, Black, Beams, Adcock
BEST
Gold Coast: Brennan, Krakouer, Smith, Rischitelli, Ablett, Harris
Brisbane Lions: Rich, Black, McGrath, Leuenberger, Hanley
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Gorringe (hamstring)
Brisbane Lions: Raines (concussion)
SUBSTITUTES
Gold Coast: Daniel Gorringe (hamstring) replaced by Josh Toy in the first quarter
Brisbane: Andrew Raines replaced by Jesse O'Brien in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Jennings, Ryan, McInerney
Official crowd: 25,504 at the Gabba
More to come...
