Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns have plenty to play for in latest QClash

Saturday night’s QClash is crucial for both the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns.

Linc McCarthy says the Lions have to ‘stay desperate’. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Rarely has a QClash meant so much to both the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns.

Ahead of Saturday night’s latest battle between Queensland’s two AFL clubs at the Gabba, the Suns are desperate to win to keep alive their hopes of playings finals football for the first time.

And while the Lions are on track to qualify for a fourth successive finals series, a top-four berth that brings with it a double chance has been jeopardised by a recent run of inconsistent form.

After winning eight of their first nine matches, the Lions haven’t managed consecutive victories in their past eight matches, of which they have lost four.

“We’ve got to stay desperate,” Brisbane forward Linc McCarthy said.

“The last (eight) weeks ... we haven’t been able to get that next win after a good win, so this weekend, and throughout this week, we’re really determined to stick that feeling of desperation to make sure we get every little thing done – it’s all the little things that get you the win.”

Linc McCarthy wants more consistency from the Lions. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The third-placed Lions – one of three teams on 48 points who trail top-two sides Geelong and Melbourne by one win – take winning form into the QClash following a 40-point weekend victory over the GWS Giants in Canberra.

“We had a lot of guys that really just contributed and played their role, and that’s the side that we’re trying to become, and not rely on standout performances to get the job done,” McCarthy said.

“We will just really want to chip in. That’s how we want to play our footy. We’ve just got to be really consistent with it.”

The Suns head into Saturday night’s battle in losing form after their poor weekend performance against Essendon, who thrashed Gold Coast by 48 points.

With Richmond suffering a shock loss to North Melbourne, the Suns blew a chance to draw level on points with the eighth-placed Tigers.

Instead, Gold Coast has dropped to 12th place on the table and can ill-afford another defeat on Saturday.

“The QClash is a really good battle. Regardless of where we all sit on the ladder, it just tends to be a solid outing,” said McCarthy, whose club has won its past seven meetings against the Suns.

“We’ve been pretty fortunate in recent times, but I feel like Gold Coast, they’re really pushing forward in their footy at the moment and it’s going to be a really good contest, so we’re going to have to bring our best and see how we go.”