Gold Coast SUNS interim coach Steven King is preparing to face crosstown rivals Brisbane Lions on Saturday afternoon at Heritage Bank Stadium.

King has experienced both a win and a loss in his first two weeks as interim coach and speaks on the importance of learning from a loss.

“The game gives you feedback, and it is a good opportunity to learn and keep sharpening your tools for the next challenge,” he said.

“I am just looking for us to respond against a rival in a QClash.

“We have a playing group here that are really looking forward to that challenge at home,” King added.

The SUNS will look to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Giants last weekend and King is after the effort and fight from the playing group.

“I am looking at a playing group who wants to keep fighting the year out and competing strongly for the next five games,” he said.

King speaks on how both the SUNS and Lions are maintaining their rivalry on the field whilst working together to promote the game at a junior level across Queensland.

“Both clubs are trying to put a foothold on the game and in the community… and the growth at grass-roots level.

“People look forward to this opportunity twice a year and our playing group is no different,” he said.

The Lions have been victorious in the last five meetings against the SUNS.

“They have been a really strong, mature team for a long time,” King stated.

“When the rivalry hasn’t gone (our) way for a while… it is up to us to do something about it.”

Gates open at Heritage Bank Stadium at 2.30pm with early entry available through Gate 3 for the VFL curtain raiser from 12pm. The VFL QClash against the Lions gets underway at 12.05pm before the AFL match begins at 4.35pm.