THERE'S now a genuine rivalry in Queensland after the Brisbane Lions broke their 2016 duck with a stunning 13-point QClash upset at the Gabba on Saturday night.

In a spiteful match marred by an ugly second quarter hit by Suns vice-captain Steven May, the Lions ran out deserved winners 14.23 (107) to 14.10 (94).

It was Gold Coast's first loss of the season and could have long-lasting effects after May's brain-snap.

With less than a minute remaining before half-time, the Gold Coast fullback ran straight past the ball, left his feet and launched a shoulder straight into Stefan Martin's head.

It collected Martin flush. He was stretchered off immediately with concussion and did not return.

Stef Martin knocked out after big hit from Steven May

But for the Lions, it was a rousing win that threatened to never happen after an inaccurate first half in front goal.

"It was a brave win, it was a win of character, which was important," Lions coach Justin Leppitsch said.

"Things weren't going our way in terms of shots on goal again … but at least we persisted and didn't let that disappointment get a hold of us, so I'm proud of the boys doing that.

"It would have been very disappointing walking off the ground not winning after having a game you thought you were much better than your opposition."

Pearce Hanley led a brilliant second-half revival and was named the Marcus Ashcroft medallist for best afield.

WATCH: Hanley lights up the QClash

He finished with 28 disposals and two goals, including a brilliant right foot snap late in the final term to give his team the lead.

Daniel Rich (22 touches) had his best game for the season and Dayne Zorko (23) also busted his backside for four quarters.

Tom Bell was superb in his fourth game for the club kicking two goals and finishing with 16 touches and seven marks.

The Lions kicked 10 goals to seven in the second half to finally capitalise on their good work.

They played harder than the Suns and deserved the victory.

Five talking points: Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast

The Lions won the disposals (367-307), contested possessions (154-132) and inside 50s by 66-48.

For Gold Coast, Tom Lynch played almost a lone hand with five goals, while Aaron Hall (26 possessions) and Gary Ablett (24) battled hard.

"I think we got beaten in all facets, all credit to Brisbane," Suns coach Rodney Eade.

"They played really well. It's an obvious statement but they deserved to win. Probably should have won by six or seven goals."

May's cheap shot sparked both the Gabba crowd of 20,041 and the 22 Lions players.

For the first time in the short QClash history, there was now a genuine villain and May was booed vociferously any time he got the ball.

The Lions were horrible in the first half in front of goal and almost kicked themselves out of the contest, kicking 4.15 to trail by eight points.

But things turned in the third, starting with Hanley's running goal from 50m and another set shot from Rohan Bewick from further out.

The final term was pulsating as teams traded goals.

MEDICAL ROOM
Brisbane Lions: Stefan Martin was concussed by May's hit but returned to the interchange area during the second half. He was smiling late in the match but will be assessed through the week.

Gold Coast: A number of Suns left the field, but there were no injuries out of the match. Dion Prestia got a "stinger" in his shoulder during the second quarter but returned, while Sam Day (hip) and Steven May (knee) also seemed hobbled at times but ran the game out.

NEXT UP
After a relatively friendly draw through the first month, Gold Coast faces a stiff exam next Saturday when they host North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium. After their first win of the year, the Lions head to Melbourne to play the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

All smiles for the Lions as they edge out their rivals. Photo: AFL Media

BRISBANE LIONS 3.6  4.15  10.20  14.23 (107)
GOLD COAST SUNS 4.2  7.5  12.7  14.10 (94)

GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Bell 2, Cutler 2, Hanley 2, Christensen, Bastinac, Green, Bewick, Martin, Zorko, Schache, Taylor
Gold Coast Suns: Lynch 5, Sexton 2, Rosa, Martin, Day, Cameron, Hall, Rischitelli, Malceski

BEST
Brisbane Lions: Hanley, Rich, Bell, Taylor, Robinson
Gold Coast Suns: Lynch, Malceski, Hall, Ablett, Day

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Brisbane: McStay (virus) replaced in selected side by Dawson, Martin (concussion), Gardiner (elbow)

Reports: Steven May (Gold Coast) for second-quarter incident with Stefan Martin (Brisbane Lions)

Umpires: Donlon, Chamberlain, Wallace

Official crowd: 20,041