There's now a genuine rivalry in Queensland after the Brisbane Lions broke their 2016 duck with a 13-point QClash upset at the Gabba on Saturday night.

In a spiteful match the Lions ran out deserved winners 14.23 (107) to 14.10 (94).

It was Gold Coast's first loss of the season.

But for the Lions, it was a rousing win that threatened to never happen after an inaccurate first half in front goal.

The Lions won the disposals (367-307), contested possessions (154-132) and inside 50s by 66-48.

For Gold Coast, Tom Lynch played almost a lone hand with five goals, while Aaron Hall (26 possessions) and Gary Ablett (24) battled hard.

"I think we got beaten in all facets, all credit to Brisbane," said SUNS coach Rodney Eade.

"They played really well. It's an obvious statement but they deserved to win. Probably should have won by six or seven goals."

For the first time in the short QClash history, there was now a genuine rivalry.

The Lions were horrible in the first half in front of goal and almost kicked themselves out of the contest, kicking 4.15 to trail by eight points.

But things turned in the third, starting with Hanley's running goal from 50m and another set shot from Rohan Bewick from further out.

The final term was pulsating as teams traded goals.

BRISBANE LIONS 3.6 4.15 10.20 14.23 (107)
GOLD COAST SUNS 4.2 7.5 12.7 14.10 (94)

GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Bell 2, Cutler 2, Hanley 2, Christensen, Bastinac, Green, Bewick, Martin, Zorko, Schache, Taylor
Gold Coast Suns: Lynch 5, Sexton 2, Rosa, Martin, Day, Cameron, Hall, Rischitelli, Malceski

BEST
Brisbane Lions: Hanley, Rich, Bell, Taylor, Robinson
Gold Coast Suns: Lynch, Malceski, Hall, Ablett, Day

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Brisbane: McStay (virus) replaced in selected side by Dawson, Martin (concussion), Gardiner (elbow)

Reports: Steven May (Gold Coast) for second-quarter incident with Stefan Martin (Brisbane Lions)

Umpires: Donlon, Chamberlain, Wallace

Official crowd: 20,041