Alastair Lynch says importance to both clubs makes this QClash the most important in history

SATURDAY’S QClash is the most important derby in the eight-year history of the rivalry and it’s the kind of game that can kick start a season or stop one in its tracks, writes ALASTAIR LYNCH.

Ryan Lester, Dayne Zorko and Dayne Beams take on Aaron Hall.

THIS QClash is hugely important for both clubs.

It’s the most important derby in the eight-year history of the rivalry and it’s the kind of game that can kick start a season or stop one in its tracks.

Where both teams sit in their redevelopment a win over their Queensland rival will be a massive boost in confidence for their young list and indeed for their fans that they are on track.

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There’s no need for any type of fabricated build-up for this one.

Brisbane’s “honourable loss” to Port Adelaide two weeks ago was a huge effort that was so nearly converted into a great win against one of the flag favourites.

The week before they pushed another contender Melbourne after trailing by 42 points at one stage to draw level only to let slip late in the game.

Brisbane players celebrate the Round 1 QClash win in 2017. Picture: Adam Head

When you follow it up with 90-point loss in your only visit to the MCG for the year, albeit against the reigning premiers, the pressure has suddenly increased on a club that has rightly received plenty of positive press over the gains they are making under Chris Fagan.

The footy world is excited about where the Lions are going and the youth that are coming through but a win sooner rather than later is essential to continue the redevelopment and the progress of a team that wants to return to the finals race in the very near future.

The Suns may be under even more pressure.

Not winning this week will see it’s confidence building 2-0 start to the season as ancient history after back-to-back losses in the west.

Stuart Dew has ticked every box in his first few months at the helm but would be disappointed not to have at least one win from its two-game visit to Perth.

History weighs heavily over this week’s game for the Suns.

Gold Coast celebrate a QClash win in 2014. Picture: Adam Head

QClashes have a history of derailing seasons for the Suns and even coaching careers.

Inaugural coach Guy McKenna’s fate at the Suns was effectively sealed after the Round 18 loss to the Lions in 2014.

Although there was the standard review process at the end of that season, insiders have always said it was McKenna’s reaction in the rooms after that heavy defeat that lost the playing group.

It seems incredible, and something Bluey must often ponder, that 2014 still remains the Suns’ most successful season.

Two years later came the next new dawn at the Suns when they leapt out of the blocks with a 3-0 start to the season. Maybe this was the year for the Suns to break into the finals for the first time when they were unbackable favourites against a winless Lions side in Round 4.

The Lions caused a boilover and the Suns never recovered, winning just three more times for the year.

Even last year when everything was said to be finally in place at the Suns, the Lions jumped them in Round 1 at Metricon kicking the first seven goals, eventually hanging on by two points.

And the issue that just won’t go away until Tom Lynch signs a new contract on the coast, the Suns still need to convince its best player to stay, to convince him that the future is bright, a loss against last year’s bottom team couldn’t help.

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Originally published as Alastair Lynch says importance to both clubs makes this QClash the most important in history