Venues

Brisbane	Gold Coast
The Gabba	Carrara Stadium
Capacity: 42,000	Capacity: 25,000

QClash 1 — Inaugural Queensland Clash

The first edition of the QClash took place on 7 May 2011 at the Gabba. The Suns were required to host the inaugural meeting between the two teams at the Gabba as their home ground, Carrara Stadium, was unavailable until later that year. Despite the Lions not having won a game for the season leading into the game, they were considered strong favourites to defeat their Gold Coast neighbours. The Suns had recorded their first ever AFL win two weeks prior to the clash while Brisbane was winless leading into the first ever Queensland derby.^[7] In the lead up to the match, triple premiership Lion Simon Black expressed resentment towards the Suns by stating "the AFL have given them everything, and then some" as well as labelling former Brisbane players Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli "mercenaries" because they had joined the Suns in the off season.^[8] Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna returned serve by stating that the Suns were brought into the competition to clean up the mess left by the Brisbane Bears,^[9] which Lions coach and former Bears player Michael Voss said he took personally and stated that McKenna's comments were "out of line".^[10] Two days before the game it was revealed that 10 Queenslanders had been chosen to compete in the clash. The Suns got off to a hot start in the first quarter and led the clash by 19 points at first exchange of ends. The Gold Coast held that lead through the first three quarters and the tension rose early in the third term when Gold Coast's David Swallow unintentionally knocked Brisbane's Andrew Raines unconscious, who was taken off with concussion. Trailing by 19 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Lions mounted a comeback off the back of six second half goals from Ashley McGrath, who was swung forward at half time. A Todd Banfield goal at the 15-minute mark in the fourth term equaled the scores late in the game but a spectacular pack mark taken by Gold Coast forward Nathan Krakouer a minute later stemmed the tide as he kicked truly for his fifth goal to give the Suns a one-goal lead. McGrath's sixth goal just seconds later again equaled the scores once again. The Gold Coast were awarded a controversial free kick for a high tackle a minute later which allowed small forward Brandon Matera to play on and kick the Suns to a seven-point lead that they wouldn't relinquish. The Suns claim the inaugural QClash 18.16 (124) to 17.14 (116).^[11] Former Lion and new Sun Jared Brennan was awarded the inaugural Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his best on ground performance that included 30 disposals and 14 clearances.

QClash 11 — The bump

QClash 11 took place on 16 April 2016 at the Gabba. The Suns had compiled an undefeated 3-0 record leading into the game and were sitting equal top of the ladder while the Lions were winless sitting on the bottom of the ladder. The two teams traded goals for much of the first half as the Suns led by 2 points at the end of the first term and 8 points at half time. The biggest talking point of the night took place a minute before half time when Gold Coast defender Steven May elected to bump Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin under his chin. Martin was knocked unconscious and was motionless for several minutes after the incident. May was a repeat offender as he had bumped Lion Tom Rockliff unconscious in QClash 9.^[12] Seemingly spurred on by what had occurred just prior to half time, the Lions gained the lead in the third quarter and eventually ran out 13-point winners at full time. The Marcus Ashcroft Medal was awarded to Irishman Pearce Hanley for his sublime 28-disposal, 2-goal performance.^[13] In the week following the match, May was referred straight to the tribunal where he later received a five-match suspension.^[14]

QClash 15 — Zorko refuses to shake hands

QClash 15 took place on 22 April 2018 at the Gabba. Both Queensland clubs had suffered embarrassing losses the week prior to the 15th local derby and were keen to prove a point in the round 5 clash. The Suns went about building a healthy lead in the first half and led the contest by 14 points at the major break. Gold Coast then led the clash by as many as 27 points in the third quarter before Brisbane began fighting back. In the midst of a goalscoring frenzy from Brisbane, North Queenslander Charlie Cameron produced one of the goals of the year^[15] with a three effort run of play that involved a gather, a handball, a recovery, a tackle break, a fend off and ultimately a spinning snap goal.^[16] By the halfway point of the fourth quarter, Gold Coast's lead had been reduced to just four points. Despite Brisbane's relentless pressure in the last eight minutes of the game, the Suns were able to hold on for a five-point victory. Touk Miller was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his shutdown role on Brisbane vice captain Dayne Zorko. However, post-game footage captured Zorko telling his opponent to "fuck off" when approached for a handshake.^[17] Zorko was subsequently criticised by the media for the incident in the days that followed.^[18][19]

QClash 16 — 'Soft' comments and Zorko vs Miller

QClash 16 was held at Carrara Stadium on 18 August 2018. In the week leading up to the game, Brisbane defender Nick Robertson spoke on Macquarie Sports Radio where he labelled Gold Coast players "soft" and that he thought they "take a bit of a backwards step when blokes go hard in at the footy." Robertson added "I hope they hear that too" as the radio interview concluded.^[20] Hours later Brisbane coach Chris Fagan publicly expressed disappointment over Robertson's comments.^[21] When asked about his thoughts on Robertson's comments the next day, Gold Coast midfielder Jack Bowes was diplomatic and said "we respect all opposition."^[22] The fiery clash began with Brisbane kicking three unanswered goals before Gold Coast managed to score a goal just before quarter time. Following the quarter time siren, tempers flared as a mini-melee broke out between the two teams. The tension rose to another level midway through the second quarter when Sean Lemmens collected Brandon Starcevich with a high shot. Mitch Robinson and Lemmens collided in the immediate aftermath, while Dayne Zorko was floored metres away after being pushed into by Alex Sexton.^[23] The Lions took a slender one-goal lead into halftime as Gold Coast had fought back with five goals in the second quarter.

The Suns quickly captured ascendency early in the third quarter and held the lead until a contentious free kick was awarded to Harris Andrews, which resulted in a goal after the three-quarter time siren and subsequently handed the lead back to Brisbane. Upon viewing the replay, commentator Alastair Lynch stated "I actually don't think that is a holding free kick." Two quick goals allowed the Suns to build a nine-point lead early in the fourth quarter but a controversial 50 metre penalty for impeding the protected zone in the middle of the ground appeared to diminish the Gold Coast's momentum and resulted in a Brisbane goal from Allen Christensen.^[24] Four minutes later Dayne Beams kicked a crucial goal midway through the fourth quarter to give Brisbane a four-point lead. Despite the margin remaining at four points for the last two and a half minutes, the Lions would hold the lead and walk away victorious 10.18 (78) to 11.8 (74) in QClash 16. Dayne Beams was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his magnificent 38-disposal performance.^[25] Gold Coast midfielder Touk Miller was given the task of tagging Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko for the entire game and camera footage consistently showed the two engaging in scuffles with one another throughout the match.^[26] In the moments following the final siren, Zorko went directly to Miller and yelled expletives to his face before smiling and extending his hand to shake Miller's.^[27] The pair shook hands before Zorko continued to follow Miller around the field with his hand extended. As was the case after QClash 15, the media criticised Zorko for demonstrating a lack of sportsmanship in the days that followed.^{[28][29][30][31]} Four fines were handed to players from either side after the match; Brisbane's Luke Hodge and Mitch Robinson^[32] as well as Gold Coast's Brayden Fiorini and Sean Lemmens received fines.^[33] A month after the clash, Touk Miller stated "we don't like each other" when asked about Zorko and the rivalry between the two clubs.^[34]

QClash 23 — Struggling Suns make a stand and ongoing dislike between the clubs

Leading into the 23rd edition of the QClash, Gold Coast had lost seven consecutive matches to Brisbane by an average margin of 52 points and were publicly implored by media onlookers to make a stand in this particular clash.^[35] Intrigue began to grow in the days leading up to the match as it was confirmed that Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko would return from injury for the match and an in-form Gold Coast skipper Touk Miller was also a confirmed starter.^[36] It was also revealed that Gold Coast stalwart David Swallow would break the all-time games record for the Suns by competing in QClash 23.^[37] Both teams entered the clash in precarious ladder positions with Brisbane clinging on to a top four position on the ladder and Gold Coast within striking distance of entering the top eight.^[38] QClash 23 took place at the Gabba on 23 July 2022 and the game was hotly contested from the beginning as Brisbane led by just eight points at quarter time. The Suns stunned the vocal Brisbane home crowd in the second quarter by kicking five goals to the Lions' two majors as Gold Coast would enter the halftime break with a six point lead. The match would turn into a seesawing affair in the third quarter with six lead changes but the Suns would lead the clash by seven points at the last break with their performance being highlighted by key forwards Levi Casboult and Queenslander Mabior Chol who had combined for six goals at three quarter time. A noticeably tired Gold Coast outfit began to wilt at the midway point of the fourth quarter and conceded five consecutive goals to lose the clash by 17 points. Despite the loss, Gold Coast were highly commended for their performance against a top four side and Touk Miller was awarded a record-equalling third Marcus Ashcroft Medal as best afield.^[39] A month later, Touk Miller revealed in an interview that he had a "genuine dislike" for the Lions as well as Dayne Zorko and that it hurt him deeply to lose eight consecutive games to Brisbane.^[40]

QClash 25 — Suns snap losing streak and Zorko accuses Miller of groin tackle

QClash 25 took place on 29 July 2023 at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast. The high flying third placed Lions entered the match as the hot favourites to continue their nine-game winning streak against a struggling Suns outfit sitting 14th on the ladder and fighting to keep their season alive. The clash also served as the scene for Gold Coast vice captain Sam Collins' milestone 100th AFL game. A hotly contested first quarter played out with both teams kicking multiple goals before Dayne Zorko drew a free kick for high contact inside his forward 50 just seconds before quarter time and kicked truly after the siren to give the Lions a seven-point lead at the end of the first term. The second quarter was also an evenly contested term with the Suns able to gain a three-point ascendency at halftime. The Gold Coast players unexpectedly formed a huddle on field just prior to the beginning of the third quarter and began the third term well by playing inspired football which included kicking five of the first six goals to give themselves a 17-point lead at three quarter time. The Suns were able to continue their fantastic form in the fourth quarter by kicking a further five goals to Brisbane's one and this allowed the Gold Coast to secure a streak breaking 41-point victory over the highly fancied Lions. Suns key forward Ben King was one of Gold Coast's best players with a five-goal haul, Touk Miller was awarded a record breaking fourth Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his shutdown role on one of the league's Brownlow Medal favourites Lachie Neale and Gold Coast defender Mac Andrew was awarded the Round 19 Rising Star nomination for his sublime performance.^[41]

The biggest talking point from the game was a tackle performed by Touk Miller on Dayne Zorko in the third quarter that Zorko alleged was illegal. At the completion of the tackle, Zorko immediately remonstrated and was heard telling the umpire that Miller "just fucking grabbed my nuts!" (Squirrel grip) The incident was reviewed and not cited as illegal by Match Review Officer Michael Christian following the game and the accusation of an illegal action involving Zorko's groin was generally viewed by the media as a difficult one to prove.^[42][43] Two days later in a radio interview, Zorko claimed he was suffering from significant bruising in the groin region and expressed his disappointment in the AFL's decision to not charge Miller for the incident.^[44] Despite Zorko's claims that they "had really good evidence to support the case,"^[45] no report of a sustained injury was communicated to the AFL for their official injury report and the Lions ultimately decided not to pursue the case in the days that followed. Interim Gold Coast coach Steven King said he found Zorko's accusation towards Miller "disrespectful" before adamantly claiming he knows the integrity of Miller and that any contact was "completely accidental".^[46] However, in a surprising twist, the AFL backflipped on their decision by announcing on the Thursday night that followed the game that Miller had been handed a one-match suspension for "conduct unbecoming" and the Suns would publicly state that they were "extremely disappointed" by the decision,^[47] while also going on to lose a must-win clash without Miller in the next round that would effectively end their 2023 season.^[48]

Timeline of results

Winners

Multi-club Players

Below is a list of players who spent time at both the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns, and played in at least one QClash, in order of appearance for their second of the two clubs. It is updated through to the end of QClash 24.

Rohan Bewick (on Brisbane's list from 2011 to 2018 for 103 games) and Dayne Zorko (on Brisbane's list from 2012 to present for 230 games) were also traded from Gold Coast to Brisbane, but were only prelisted at the Suns and were never on their official list. When asked how he felt about the situation, Zorko admitted he was "extremely disappointed" and that the outcome "cut deeply" when his hometown club chose to trade him.^[49][50] Joel Tippett was on Brisbane's list from 2007 to 2009, however he didn't play a game before playing two matches for Gold Coast in 2011. Tippett never featured in a QClash.

Order of playing for second club	Player	Games Played for Brisbane (Years Listed)	Games Played for Gold Coast (Years Listed)	Number of QClashes Played
1	Jared Brennan	119 (2003–10)	54 (2011–13)	6
	Michael Rischitelli	111 (2004–10)	130 (2011–19)	13
4	Andrew Raines	67 (2010–14)	6 (2015)	6
5	Pearce Hanley	129 (2008–16)	40 (2017–20)	14
6	Jarryd Lyons	67 (2019–)	37 (2017–18)	11
7	Callum Ah Chee	61 (2020–)	45 (2016–19)	11
8	Tom Berry	20 (2019–22)	3 (2023–)	1

Games Played

#	Player	Club	QClashes
1	Dayne Zorko	Brisbane	22
2	David Swallow	Gold Coast	20
3	Daniel Rich	Brisbane	19
4	Jarrod Harbrow	Gold Coast	17
	Ryan Lester	Brisbane	17

Goalkickers

Most goals in one game

North Queenslander Charlie Cameron has kicked the most career QClash goals (29).

#	Player	Club	Venue	Year	Round	Goals	Behinds	Total Score
1	Charlie Dixon	Gold Coast	Carrara Stadium	2015	Round 5	6	2	38
	Charlie Cameron	Brisbane	The Gabba	2019	Round 21	6	1	37
	Zac Bailey	Brisbane	The Gabba	2022	Round 6	6	0	36
	Ashley McGrath	Brisbane	The Gabba	2011	Round 7	6	0	36

Most career goals

#	Player	Club	Goals	Behinds	Games
1	Charlie Cameron	Brisbane	29	12	10
2	Tom Lynch	Gold Coast	27	12	12
3	Dayne Zorko	Brisbane	21	14	22
4	Eric Hipwood	Brisbane	20	16	12
5	Alex Sexton	Gold Coast	18	8	12

Hitouts

Most hitouts in a game

Jarrod Witts holds the record for the most hitouts in QClash history (415).

#	Player	Club	Year	Round	Hitouts
1	Jarrod Witts	Gold Coast	2019	Round 21	53
2	Matthew Leuenberger	Brisbane	2011	Round 7	52
3	Jarrod Witts	Gold Coast	2023	Round 10	51
4	Jarrod Witts	Gold Coast	2022	Round 19	50
5	Jarrod Witts	Gold Coast	2022	Round 6	48

Most career hit-outs

#	Player	Club	Hitouts	Games
1	Jarrod Witts	Gold Coast	415	10
2	Stefan Martin	Brisbane	346	12
3	Oscar McInerney	Brisbane	227	9
4	Tom Nicholls	Gold Coast	186	6
5	Matthew Leuenberger	Brisbane	184	5

Disposals

Most disposals in a game

Queenslander Dayne Zorko holds recorded the most disposals in QClash history (447).

#	Player	Club	Venue	Year	Round	Disposals
1	Tom Rockliff	Brisbane	The Gabba	2014	Round 18	47
2	Pearce Hanley	Brisbane	The Gabba	2014	Round 18	45
3	Brayden Fiorini	Gold Coast	The Gabba	2021	Round 19	41
4	Gary Ablett Jr	Gold Coast	Carrara Stadium	2014	Round 3	38
	Dayne Beams	Brisbane	Carrara Stadium	2018	Round 22	38

Most career disposals

#	Player	Club	Disposals	Games
1	Dayne Zorko	Brisbane	447	22
2	David Swallow	Gold Coast	440	20
3	Daniel Rich	Brisbane	395	19
4	Tom Rockliff	Brisbane	371	13
5	Touk Miller	Gold Coast	354	15

Clearances

David Swallow holds the record for the most clearances in QClash history (84).

Most clearances in a game

#	Player	Club	Venue	Year	Round	Clearances
1	Jared Brennan	Gold Coast	The Gabba	2011	Round 7	14
2	Jarryd Lyons	Brisbane	Carrara Stadium	2022	Round 6	13
	Matt Rowell	Gold Coast	Carrara Stadium	2022	Round 6	13
4	Oscar McInerney	Brisbane	The Gabba	2021	Round 19	12
5	Tom Rockliff	Brisbane	The Gabba	2014	Round 18	11

Most career clearances

#	Player	Club	Games	Clearances
1	David Swallow	Gold Coast	20	84
2	Touk Miller	Gold Coast	15	73
3	Dayne Zorko	Brisbane	22	72
4	Jarryd Lyons	Brisbane	11	69
5	Tom Rockliff	Brisbane	13	64

Tackles

Matt Rowell holds the joint record for the most tackles in a QClash (13).

Most tackles in a game

#	Player	Club	Venue	Year	Round	Tackles
1	Jaeger O'Meara	Gold Coast	The Gabba	2014	Round 8	13
	Matt Rowell	Gold Coast	Carrara Stadium	2023	Round 20	13
3	Matt Rowell	Gold Coast	The Gabba	2023	Round 10	12
4	Touk Miller	Gold Coast	Carrara Stadium	2016	Round 16	11
	Mitch Robinson	Brisbane	Carrara Stadium	2015	Round 19	11

Most career tackles

#	Player	Club	Games	Tackles
1	Dayne Zorko	Brisbane	22	132
2	Touk Miller	Gold Coast	15	81
3	David Swallow	Gold Coast	20	79
4	Tom Rockliff	Brisbane	13	69
5	Jarryd Lyons	Brisbane	11	65

Career Brownlow votes

Queensland junior and triple Brisbane Lions AFL Premiership captain Michael Voss holds the second best winning percentage of any coach in QClash history (83.3%).

#	Player	Club	Games	Votes
1	Jarryd Lyons	Brisbane Lions Gold Coast	11	12
2	Pearce Hanley	Brisbane Lions Gold Coast	14	10
3	Dayne Beams	Brisbane	5	9
	Touk Miller	Gold Coast	15	9
	Tom Rockliff	Brisbane	13	9

All-time coaching record

Coach	Club	Win	Loss	Draw	Games	Win %	Diff
Chris Fagan	Brisbane	11	2	0	13	84.6	+9
Michael Voss	Brisbane	5	1	0	6	83.3	+4
Steven King	Gold Coast	1	1	0	1	100	+1
Rodney Eade	Gold Coast	3	2	0	5	60	+1
Dean Solomon	Gold Coast	0	1	0	1	0	−1
Justin Leppitsch	Brisbane	2	4	0	6	33.3	−2
Guy McKenna	Gold Coast	2	6	0	8	25	−4
Stuart Dew	Gold Coast	1	9	0	9	10	−7

Results

Statistics

Correct as of end of season 7.

Most career goals

Jesse Wardlaw has kicked the most career QClash goals (10).

#	Player	Club	Goals	Games
1	Jesse Wardlaw	Brisbane	10	4
2	Greta Bodey	Brisbane	5	4
3	Dakota Davidson	Brisbane	4	3
	Taylor Smith	Gold Coast Brisbane	4	3
5	Zimmorlei Farquharson	Brisbane	3	2
	Kalinda Howarth	Brisbane Gold Coast	3	3

Two-club players

Dee Heslop is the only player to have appeared in QClashes for both Brisbane and Gold Coast.

Below is a list of players who spent time at both the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns, in order of appearance for their second of the two clubs.

Order of playing for second club	Player	Games Played for Brisbane (Years Listed)	Games Played for Gold Coast (Years Listed)	Number of QClashes Played
1	Lauren Bella	3 (2019)	36 (2020–)	4
	Tori Groves-Little	2 (2019)	11 (2020–2022 (S7))	1
	Kalinda Howarth	0 (2018)	34 (2020–)	3
	Leah Kaslar	21 (2017–2019)	15 (2020–2021)	2
	Paige Parker	4 (2019)	13 (2020–2021)	1
	Emma Pittman	8 (2018–2019)	2 (2020–2022 (S6))	0
	Molly Ritson	0 (2018)	9 (2020–2021)	1
	Jamie Stanton	16 (2017–2018)	25 (2020–)	3
	Sam Virgo	15 (2017–2019)	14 (2020–2021)	2
	Jacqui Yorston	4 (2019)	15 (2020–2022 (S6))	2
11	Taylor Smith	35 (2021–)	1 (2020)	3
12	Dee Heslop	11 (2022 (S7)–)	23 (2020–2022 (S6))	4
	Krystal Scott	0 (2018–2019)	1 (2022 (S7))	0
14	Ellie Hampson	0 (2023–)	23 (2020–2022 (S7))	3
	Jordan Membrey	5 (2017)	0 (2023–)	0
	Jade Pregelj	0 (2023–)	19 (2020–2022 (S7))	2

All-time coaching record

Coach	Club	Win	Loss	Draw	Games	Win %	Diff
Craig Starcevich	Brisbane	3	0	0	3	100	+3
Daniel Merrett	Brisbane	0	0	1	1	0	0
David Lake	Gold Coast	0	1	1	2	0	−1
Cameron Joyce	Gold Coast	0	2	0	2	0	−2

Results