The Brisbane Lions have hung on for a thrilling two-point QClash win over Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night after watching a huge lead evaporate in the second half.

The Lions led by 47 points – 46 at half-time – before the SUNS roared back to level the scores midway through the final term.

Lewy Taylor snapped a goal with six minutes remaining to give them some breathing space, before Tom Lynch answered to set up a pulsating final two minutes.

The Lions hung on to win 15.8 (98) to 14.12 (96) to give Chris Fagan a win in his first game as coach.

They had more numbers than the Suns at most contests, and were prepared to move the ball quickly once they got it.

One second-quarter passage swept the ball from half-back via Rockliff, Zorko, Beams and into the path of Bastinac who coolly slotted the goal from 40m.

But things changed after the main break.

Gold Coast kicked seven goals in the third term to reduce the margin from 46 points to 17 as they began to match the Lions' intensity.

They looked like running over the top of the tiring Lions and can thank great contributions from former skipper Gary Ablett (28 touches and eight tackles) and Touk Miller (27).

Harris Andrews had the better of his battle with Tom Lynch for much of the night, but the SUNS leader worked away to finish with three goals.

For Rodney Eade's men, it was a poor start.

GOLD COAST 2.2 3.5 11.6 14.12 (96)
BRISBANE LIONS 7.3 11.3 14.5 15.8 (98)

GOALS
Gold Coast: Lynch 3, Ainsworth 2, Hall 2, Sexton, Miller, Ah Chee, Barlow, Lemmens, Wright, Schoenfeld
Brisbane Lions: Bastinac 3, Robinson 2, Hipwood 2, Zorko 2, Bewick, Rich, Taylor, Close, Lester, Bell

BEST
Gold Coast: Miller, Ablett, Lynch, Hall, Martin
Brisbane Lions: Beams, Andrews, Rockliff, Zorko, Martin

Injuries
Gold Coast: Swallow (ankle) replaced in selected side by Schoenfeld, Martin (cut eye)
Brisbane: Nil

Umpires: Chris Donlon, Robert O'Gorman, David Harris

Crowd: 12,710 at Metricon Stadium