The Gold Coast SUNS’ bevy of young talent is the envy of many AFL clubs, but a group of Brisbane Lion cubs is out to claim their scalp in Saturday’s QClash 8.

Jed Adcock is the Lions’ skipper, but utility Sam Mayes is the leader of the youngsters coming through at the Lions after a standout rookie season in 2013, in which he made his debut in QClash 6 on the Gold Coast.

Playing in a struggling team, the South Australian doesn’t receive the same fanfare as some of the GC SUNS’ boom youngsters, but he has backed his unit to push the visitors all the way in Saturday’s contest.

“You hear a lot of talk about the youth of the Gold Coast and how strong their young players are like (Jaeger) O’Meara and (Dion) Prestia and the like,” Mayes told The Courier Mail.

“But we have got a fairly good bunch of young players, as well.

“It will create good games of footy in the future because both sides have strong youth in their lists. It should create a strong rivalry for years to come.”

While the Lions haven’t got the numbers in the win column they have in previous seasons, even when they weren’t making finals, new coach Justin Leppitsch has been able to blood a number of youngsters this season including draft picks James Aish, Lewis Taylor and Darcy Gardiner.

Mayes – the 8th pick in the 2012 draft – is well aware of the impact of derby clashes given the rivalry between Adelaide and Port Adelaide in his home state, and he wants to see the QClash reach those heights one day.

“They are huge down there. The passion both teams show is what it’s all about. If we can build that up here it would be great to play in and great for the fans, as well,” he said.