Izak Rankine put his hand up for round one selection and Peter Wright took a step to being Gold Coast's main man as the SUNS easily accounted for Brisbane by 33 points in a practice match on Saturday afternoon.
With both teams missing a stack of quality players through injury and AFLX duties, Gold Coast kicked the game's first eight goals at Metricon Stadium and ran out 13.8 (86) to 7.11 (53) victors in front of a healthy crowd.
It was an impressive display by Stuart Dew's men, who rested leaders Jarrod Witts, David Swallow, Touk Miller and Pearce Hanley.
They were efficient with the ball, were defensively well organised and got the better of Brisbane's higher-profile midfield.
Rankine was a standout in the blustery conditions, turning heads with his sharp performance.
The No.3 pick who was touted as the most talented player in last year's draft kicked two goals, had a hand in one for Sam Day and generally looked comfortable at the level.
His first goal came from cleverly roving a stoppage, pushing off a would-be tackler and then drilling the shot from 50m on the run.
The teenager evaded players, used the ball well and pressured when he didn't have it.
Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew was impressed.
"It was a good start for him. He really pressured, he got to front-and-square, he used the ball well," Dew said.
"There was one moment there where he dodged a few people, I'm not sure he knew who he dodged, but that's the beauty of him, he's unpredictable and he's got some special gifts."
Wright was also exceptional as the primary forward target in a match that was broken down into six 20-minute periods.
He kicked one goal and took a heap of marks around the ground, working over opponents with his top-end running ability.
It was a great early sign as the fifth-year forward looks to fill the breach left by departed free agent Tom Lynch.
Gold Coast got contributions from many of its new forward line personnel, with Jack Lukosius kicking a thumping goal from 55m early in the match and SANFL recruit Chris Burgess looking lively with two goals.
"It's positive and internally we've been really confident with the work we've been doing," Dew said. "We've got some really good players and they're starting to jell and they want to be here, they're invested and they showed that today."
Despite missing captain Dayne Zorko (AFLX), Brisbane's midfield still included recruits Lachie Neale and Jarryd Lyons.
Although Archie Smith clearly won the ruck battle, Gold Coast's rotation of Jack Bowes, Brayden Fiorini and Anthony Miles had the better of the stoppages in the first half of the match.
Harris Andrews played forward for the first half with little impact before being switched to defence.
Charlie Cameron was one of the few bright spots for Brisbane, kicking two goals and missing a few other gettable shots.
GOLD COAST 13.8 (86)
BRISBANE LIONS 7.11 (53)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Burgess 2, Rankine 2, Ah Chee, Ainsworth, Day, Fiorini, Horlin-Smith, Lukosius, Macpherson, Miles, Wright
Brisbane Lions: Cameron 2, Bastinac, Cutler, Fullarton, Joyce, Lyons
