Brisbane Lions fear Jared assault

JARED Brennan entered Q Clash folklore with his stunning performance for the Gold Coast in the inaugural Queensland derby last year.

Jarred Brennan

JARED Brennan entered Q Clash folklore with his stunning best-on-ground performance for the Gold Coast in the inaugural Queensland derby last year.

But the mercurial matchwinner says it was a ``mixed night'' that does not amount to his best game in the AFL.

Heaven help the Lions if Brennan fires on all cylinders when the Suns host Brisbane in the Q Clash at Metricon Stadium tonight.

Brennan is the genuine X-factor in the Sunshine Stoush. At his best, the former Brisbane utility is absolutely devastating.

Proof is the 30 possessions, 14 clearances, seven marks, four tackles and one goal in round 7 last year to claim the Marcus Ashcroft Medal.

"I didn't play the four quarters that night. I ended up hurting my shoulder and sitting off for the third quarter. It was a mixed night really but it's up there I suppose,'' Brennan said.

"It's still not as good as a game I played against Collingwood at the Gabba, which was pretty cool, so I've definitely played better than that Q Clash.''

But when that best footy makes an appearance is always the big question.

Brennan feels his form has been improving slowly but surely after being banished to the reserves mid-season he is excited about confronting his old club.

"I've been OK without being awesome,'' he said.

"I've been thrown around a fair bit between the forward line and midfield and I've been pinch hitting in the ruck too so I will just keep plugging away.

"We've put in a couple of good three-quarter efforts there this year and been close to winning but we need to play well for the four quarters to get over the line.

"I've got good memories from my time at Brisbane but my old mates there still wouldn't want me to win and I don't want them to win either.''

Lions vice-captain Daniel Merrett left training early last night and received treatment on his right calf but is expected to play.

Veterans Jonathan Brown and Simon Black did not train with the main group, but will play tonight.

Brisbane coach Michael Voss needs no reminding about Brennan's ability to turn a game on its head.

He has played alongside Brennan, coached him and watched the 28-year-old tear the Lions apart in the first Q Clash. "We know what Jars can do, no doubt,'' Voss said.