“We know it’s a big game and I think this is as close as it gets to a finals game if you don’t make a run into September,” McKenna said on Friday.
“Especially given where both teams are on the ladder and both the SUNS and the Lions wanting to mark their territory in the State of Queensland, it’s an important game for all players and coaches involved.
“It raises the stakes up a notch.”
McKenna said Saturday’s QClash at the Gabba would mark extra significance for the playing group – with Campbell Brown’s 200th match and Danny Stanley’s 50th in the forefront of the travelling party.
“For a QClash the players always go an extra yard, but for our blokes I think we should be going that extra yard because we have a bloke (Brown) who is playing 200 games of football,” he said.
“Only a small percentage of players do that, and Danny “The Journeyman” Stanley notching his 50th game – they said he’s never make it at Collingwood.
‘So there is a lot at stake but for what those two have delivered at our footy club shouldn’t be forgotten in their milestone games.”
With the Gold Coasters holding ladder position and significant percentage over the club’s “bigger brothers”, McKenna understands his boys have a great opportunity to topple the Lions for the second time.
“One win in five games is not a great record and here is a great opportunity against a side below us that we can get one of those wins,” said McKenna.
“This is a side around us on the ladder, and if we are to say we have improved and developed as a side then this should be one of those games you go in with some confidence knowing you can beat them.”
