The Brisbane Lions have withstood an intense last quarter fightback from the Gold Coast SUNS to win a thrilling contest by five points in a scrappy affair at Brendale on Saturday afternoon.

Darcy Macpherson missed a set shot to tie the game in the dying seconds as the Lions held on to win 12.13 (85) to 11.14 (80) winners.

The Lions led by three goals at quarter time and extended that lead to 24 points before the SUNS booted four consecutive majors to tie it up.

It was Josh Walker that coolly slotted the goal to put Brisbane in front with less than three minutes to go to steer his side to victory.

It looked like the Lions might kick away several times in the second half, but each time the SUNS were able to regroup and keep Brisbane in check.

Will Brodie (30 disposals, six marks) was outstanding for the SUNS.

The SUNS took to the field minus the direction of senior coach Steve Daniel, with Nick Malceski taking the reins for the day.

The first half was a messy affair, both sides feeling the pressure and struggling to hit targets by hand and foot.

SUN Kai Sheers copped a head knock early in the second quarter and took no further part in the match.

The Lions managed to inch ahead of the SUNS, leading by four points at the main break.

Rohan Bewick took a courageous mark and finished truly to kickstart the second half, before Bailey Scott and Keegan Brooksby answered in kind to retake the lead for the SUNS, but the Lions kicked the next four to create a buffer.

It was a soccered effort from Brayden Fiorini before the three quarter time siren that kept the SUNS in the match.

Momentum in the last quarter seesawed between the two clubs, before Walker kicked the winning score for the Lions.

The SUNS dominated the ruck contests, the formidable pairing of Dan Currie (30 hitouts) and Tom Nicholls (23 hitouts) battering Oscar McInerney (14 hitouts) who struggled without a recognised ruck partner.

Michael Rischitelli (12 disposals) was managed in his return from a ruptured ACL and made it through the match unscathed.

The SUNS currently sit in sixth place on the NEAFL ladder and have a bye next week.

Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast SUNS at SPSC

BRISBANE 2.2 4.5 9.11 12.13 (85)
GOLD COAST 1.2 3.7 6.11 11.14 (80)

GOALS
Brisbane: J Freeman 4 J Walker 2 M Close 2 J Clayton R William J Jansen R Bewick.
Gold Coast: K Brooksby 3 D Macpherson 2 C Offermans B Scott M Hallahan B Fiorini D Charlesworth D Currie.

BEST
Brisbane: A Witherden R William M Close L Dawson J Freeman C Beams.
Gold Coast: W Brodie D Macpherson M Hallahan D Currie K Brooksby.