<p>Brisbane hosts the Gold Coast in the first Q-Clash of the year, which is arguably the biggest AFL game in Queensland’s history.&nbsp;</p> <p>Okay, maybe not the biggest game ever, counting there was the actual Grand Final played there a few years ago, but it is definitely the biggest AFL game in Queensland involving Queensland teams.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Q-Clash has always been a one-sided contest because, let’s be blunt, the Gold Coast Suns have never been good enough. Now, amid their best start to a season ever, with both sides sitting in the top four, it promises to be an incredible game.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Suns bounced back from their shocking loss to the Tigers the previous week in emphatic fashion. Despite the Swans getting the early jump on them at home, they unleashed a 12-goal blitz on either side of halftime to run away with a commanding victory.</p> <p>&nbsp;The Lions also returned to winning form, easily dispatching St Kilda at Marvel Stadium. Lachie Neale has returned to sparkling form... The speculation about whether he can win his third Brownlow Medal has begun again.</p> <p>They’re also in pretty good shape injury-wise. Livewire Kai Lohmann battled through two-and-a-bit quarters before being subbed out with a sternum and shoulder issue, but Chris Fagan didn’t seem too concerned. Still, he will surely be a test for selection. Jack Payne was a late withdrawal for the clash with the Saints due to illness, but he should be back for this one.</p> <p>The Suns are flying on the field and see no reason to make any changes, although Brayden Fiorini is making a compelling case after another stellar performance in the VFL.&nbsp;</p> <p>These teams flat-out do not like each other. It’s going to be an exciting spectacle, and hopefully, we’ll get a game befitting the occasion of the local derby.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Lions vs Suns predictions and preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs Gold Coast Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Brisbane Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Dayne Zorko, Jack Payne, Ryan Lester</p> <p>HB: Noah Answerth, Harris Andrews, Darcy Wilmot</p> <p>C: Jaspa Fletcher, Jarrod Berry, Zac Bailey</p> <p>HF: Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Hugh McCluggage&nbsp;</p> <p>F: Charlie Cameron, Sam Day, Callum ah Chee</p> <p>Foll: Oscar McInerney, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale</p> <p>Int: Kai Lohmann, Will Ashcroft, Levi Ashcroft, Logan Morris, James Tunstill</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Gold Coast Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Joel Jeffrey, Sam Collins, Wil Powell</p> <p>HB: John Noble, Mac Andrew, Daniel Rioli</p> <p>C: Lachie Weller, Matt Rowell, Touk Miller</p> <p>HF: Will Graham, Jed Walter, Sam Flanders</p> <p>F: Ethan Read, Ben King, Ben Long&nbsp;</p> <p>Foll: Jarrod Witts, Bailey Humphrey, Noah Anderson</p> <p>Int: Nick Holam, Bodhi Uwland, Ben Ainsworth, Connor Budarick, Jake Rogers</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs Gold Coast Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Lions have won 11 of its past 12 against the Suns, with the only defeat coming late in 2023.</p> <p>The Suns have lost their past six against the Lions at the Gabba and have failed to reach 100 points in a game at the venue since 2015. But that could very well change this week with the Suns being the second-highest-scoring team in the competition. They have already topped the 100 points in a game marker four times in six matches and have scored 90 in one other.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Lions have started the season steadily. They have been winning while not playing at their absolute best but took steps toward that against the Saints. Their midfield has gone to a new level this season, currently ranking first in clearances and third in inside 50s, getting the ball quickly to its tall timber.</p> <p>Why not do that at the moment, especially considering the form Eric Hipwood is in. 11 goals in his past three matches, he’s taken the mantle of the number one guy down there in the absence of Joe Daniher, while Sam Day and Logan Morris are providing the perfect foil for him. They would love to get a bit more out of Charlie Cameron though.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Lions midfield, despite its successes so far this year, would want to be on their game from the outset here. Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson, who are having outstanding seasons, weren’t at their respective prolific best last week as the Suns brushed past the Swans, so you can imagine they’d be geared up for this one. Add in the form of youngster Bailey Humphrey who is starting to impact more and more around stoppages this season, the Suns' engine room could cause the reigning premiers a challenge.</p> <p>Is it good enough to beat them at home? We’re inclined to tip the home side here just due to the Suns' lack of a good record at the Gabba, but this could be one of the highest-scoring and most fun games of the season.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-gold-coast-suns-9148533">Brisbane</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Every team needs a focal point. The Suns happen to have a King.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ben King is kicking bags of goals for fun this year. A bag of five against the Swans sees him out in front of the Coleman Medal tally by three goals. He loves getting on the board early this season and is the Suns' most targetted player inside 50.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-gold-coast-suns-9148533">Ben King</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Dayne Zorko saves his best for these matches with the Gold Coast. He loves getting in the fight, especially against his old sparring partner and former Suns skipper Touk Miller.</p> <p>But the 36-year-old, who is now one of the most damaging, rebounding defenders in the game and is once again, having a massive impact this season with an average of 25.7 disposals and a career-high 6.4 rebounds per game.</p> <p>He’ll be wired up for this.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-gold-coast-suns-9148533">Dayne Zorko (30+disposals)</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane vs Gold Coast Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Sunday, May 4th, 2025.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>7:20 pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>The Gabba, Brisbane.</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong>&nbsp; Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.</p>