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 and for the Lions, it was a rousing win that threatened to never happen after an inaccurate first half in front goal.
"It was a brave win, it was a win of character, which was important," Lions coach Justin Leppitsch said.
"Things weren't going our way in terms of shots on goal again … but at least we persisted and didn't let that disappointment get a hold of us, so I'm proud of the boys doing that.
"It would have been very disappointing walking off the ground not winning after having a game you thought you were much better than your opposition."
Pearce Hanley led a brilliant second-half revival and was named the Marcus Ashcroft medallist for best afield.
He finished with 28 disposals and two goals, including a brilliant right foot snap late in the final term to give his team the lead.
The Lions kicked 10 goals to seven in the second half to finally capitalise on their good work.
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," 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."
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
