<p>The 29th Q-Clash kicks off another Super Saturday, and it’s once again a day of reckoning for the Gold Coast Suns.&nbsp;</p> <p>After a strong first half of the season, the Suns have again hit the inconsistent wobbles that have plagued them in seasons past—and are threatening to be yet another roadblock as they aim to secure their first finals appearance in their history.&nbsp;</p> <p>After the high of beating Collingwood at home two Fridays ago, the Suns were blown away by the Crows at the Adelaide Oval. Much like their opposition last week, this time it was themselves who failed to kick a goal in the first half of the game.&nbsp;</p> <p>At 12-6 and entering the round in eighth spot on the ladder, pressure is mounting on their finals dream. They will most likely slip out of the top eight by the time the game rolls around, as the Dogs would have swapped places with them, making it essential to keep winning down the stretch.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their opponents this week, however, the Lions, are quite formidable and are timing their run to a top-four finish perfectly.&nbsp;</p> <p>After a mid-year lull, the Lions have switched gears and recorded three comfortable wins in a row. The latest came last Friday night against the Dogs at the Gabba. With Collingwood’s slip-ups over the past fortnight, the Lions now find themselves just half a game off the top spot on the ladder (not looking too far ahead, but how good does next Saturday night at the G look!!) as part of a challenging run home against some fellow finals contenders.</p> <p>Can the Suns stand tall against their older brothers who have dominated them almost since the inception of the Queensland AFL derby? Or will the Lions be in for another smooth trip up the motorway?&nbsp;</p> <p>While these battles have been largely one-sided, they have certainly added some spice, and we’re sure to see more of that here.&nbsp;</p> <p>All eyes at the Suns will be on senior duo Sam Collins and Lachie Weller, both pushing to be available. The Suns will be without key recruit Daniel Rioli, sidelined for nearly a month with a calf strain. This could see Connor Budarick move to halfback and open the door for Nick Homlan or Malcome Rosas to fill the void up front.&nbsp;</p> <p>At the Lions, Zac Bailey returns after serving his one-game suspension. Sam Day may also come back to face his former team, depending on how Chris Fagan plans to structure his ruck and key position stocks for the clash.&nbsp;</p> <p>Exciting dasher Keidean Coleman, who has now played two games back in the VFL after a quad injury, remains a key part of the Lions' September push.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Suns vs Lions prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast vs Brisbane Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Gold Coast Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Bodhi Uwland, Sam Collins, Wil Powell</p> <p>HB: John Noble, Mac Andrew, Connor Budarick</p> <p>C: Lachie Weller, Matt Rowell, Sam Clohesy</p> <p>HF: Bailey Humphrey, Jed Walter, Nick Holman</p> <p>F: Ethan Read, Ben King, Ben Long</p> <p>Foll: Jarrod Witts, Noah Anderson, Sam Flanders</p> <p>Int: Joel Jeffrey, David Swallow, Brayden Fiorini, Leo Lombard, Ben Jepson</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Brisbane Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Brandon Starcevich</p> <p>HB: Dayne Zorko, Darcy Gardiner, Darcy Wilmot</p> <p>C: Zac Bailey, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry</p> <p>HF: Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood, Jaspa Fletcher</p> <p>F: Cam Rayner, Logan Morris, Kai Lohmann</p> <p>Foll: Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley</p> <p>Int: Will Ashcroft, Levi Ashcroft, Darcy Fort, Keidean Coleman, Callum ah Chee</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast vs Brisbane Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Of the 28 previous Q-Clashes, the Suns have only tasted victory seven times in history.</p> <p>The Lions have been dominant in the head-to-head, winning four of the past five matches, including the clash earlier this year at the Gabba in the rain-sodden affair.</p> <p>We thought that game might be the moment when the Suns took the next step and matched their older brothers, but they were again sent back down flat on their backsides.&nbsp;</p> <p>The midfield for the Suns will have to get to work. Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell, Sam Flander, Brayden Fiorini, and ruckman Jarrod Witts all have a big job coming up against Neale, Dunkley, Berry, McCluggage, the Ashcroft’s and Rayner. Especially without the experienced Touk Miller to guide them through.</p> <p>Lose this, it’s proper squeaky bum time for the Suns. They will respond from the shocker, but we think the Lions are going well enough to handle them right now.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gold-coast-suns-v-brisbane-lions-9409475">Lions</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Zac Bailey will be back from suspension, and he’ll want to be quick to ensure the week off didn’t disrupt his rich vein of form.</p> <p>He’s getting plenty of looks with 5.1 and 1.4 in his past two matches. We’re tipping him for another big day around the sticks, starting with the first of the game.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>: <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gold-coast-suns-v-brisbane-lions-9409475">Zac Bailey</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>There will be spice between both sides in a local derby… but what about spice between two brothers battling out for Dad’s Medal?</p> <p>That will certainly be front of mind for both Levi and Will Ashcroft again when they take the field.</p> <p>Unfortunately for younger brother Levi, Will’s in some pretty good form at the moment and we’re backing him to do the double after winning the medal earlier this year. He’s our pick for most disposals&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gold-coast-suns-v-brisbane-lions-9409475">Will Ashcroft 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast Suns vs Brisbane Lions Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, July 26, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 1:20pm AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> People First Stadium, Gold Coast</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>