By Michael Whiting
WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Saturday 7 May, 7.10pm
HEAD TO HEAD: First meeting
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
A full replay will be available 12 hours after the completion of the match
SUMMARY
Both clubs enter the inaugural Queensland Clash desperate for a win after round six disappointments. The Lions are now 0-5, including a fourth quarter fade-out against Richmond at the weekend, while the GC SUNS have one win to their credit but are fresh from a humiliating 139-point shellacking at the hands of Essendon.
Not only are the teams new neighbours, but Brownlow medallist Simon Black stoked the fire earlier this week by calling former teammates Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli "mercenaries" for moving to the GC SUNS.
The teams currently occupy the bottom two places on the ladder, but the first QClash is about more than four premiership points.
The Lions have been in winning positions at three-quarter time in four of their five matches and could arguably have some wins to their credit, while as expected with their young list, the GC SUNS have struggled to string two good quarters back-to-back let alone four. In difficult seasons for both clubs, a win here would at least give them some bragging rights.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Lions keep the new boys at bay? While they were disappointing against Richmond, no one has questioned the intensity of Michael Voss' team this season, but skill errors and their lack of consistency is hurting in crucial moments.
How will Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli perform against their former club? Brennan is often targeted by opposition who think he can be bullied out of the contest, while Rischitelli would love nothing more than defeating the club he won last season's best and fairest with.
PREDICTION
Brisbane Lions by 36 points
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
Simon Black is still one of the competition's elite midfielders but has dropped $27,100 and is reasonable value at $354,000. He has averaged 91 points a game this season but shone with 108 points against Richmond. Josh Toy's stocks continue to rise for the Gold Coast. The impressive defender has risen $57,300 to $154,900 with a 69-point game against Essendon. He is averaging 58 points a game.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
