The QClash is the name given to the Australian rules football rivalry match between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns, who both participate in the Australian Football League (AFL). The first men's QClash was held in 2011, with Gold Coast winning by 8 points at home (although the game was played at the Lions' Gabba Ground). The game achieved the record for the highest pay TV viewing audience ever for an AFL game, with a total of 354,745 viewers tuning in to watch the game on Foxtel channel Fox Footy.[1]

QClash
TeamsBrisbane Lions
Gold Coast Suns
First meeting7 May 2011
(Gold Coast 124–116 Brisbane)
Latest meeting5 May 2024
(Brisbane 79-45 Gold Coast)
Next meeting26 July 2024
TrophyQClash Trophy
Statistics
Meetings total27
All-time series (regular-season only)Brisbane Lions 20 wins
Gold Coast Suns 7 wins
Largest victoryBrisbane Lions, 91 points
10 August 2019
Longest win streakBrisbane Lions, 9
18 August 2018–29 July 2023
Current win streakBrisbane Lions, 2
5 May 2024–present

Background

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The QClash was promoted by the league, the clubs and the football media as a name for the game,[2] in similar terms to the other local derbies that exist in the AFL, such as the Western Derby and Showdown.[3]

"We wanted a name that embodied Queensland, one that was unique and simple. We also wanted to reflect the big scale of the matches. Speaking to the coaches and players, there is no doubt that both teams want to win whenever we come together, and the QClash will be a real battle for state pride." — Former Brisbane Lions CEO Malcolm Holmes.[4]

The medal for the player adjudged best on ground in the QClash is awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal. It is named after former footballer Marcus Ashcroft, who played junior football in Gold Coast for Surfers Paradise/Southport and 318 VFL/AFL games for the Brisbane Bears/Lions between 1989 and 2003. He was the first Queenslander to play 300 VFL/AFL games and later served as a coach and administrator for the Gold Coast Suns.[5] Current Gold Coast captain Touk Miller has won the medal a record four times.

The trophy awarded to the winner of the game is currently known as the "QClash Trophy". The trophy is a traditional-looking silver cup with a wooden base and a plaque. The plaque's inscription reads from left to right, "Brisbane Lions AFC, QCLASH, Gold Coast Suns FC".[6]

Venues

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Brisbane Gold Coast
Gabba Ground Carrara Stadium
Capacity: 42,000 Capacity: 25,000
   

Notable QClashes

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QClash 1 — Inaugural Queensland Clash

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The first edition of the QClash took place on 7 May 2011 at Gabba Ground. The Suns were required to host the inaugural meeting between the two teams at the Gabba as their home ground, Carrara Stadium, was unavailable until later that year. Despite the Lions not having won a game for the season leading into the game, they were considered strong favourites to defeat their Gold Coast neighbours. The Suns had recorded their first ever AFL win two weeks prior to the clash while Brisbane was winless leading into the first ever Queensland derby.[7] In the lead up to the match, triple premiership Lion Simon Black expressed resentment towards the Suns by stating "the AFL have given them everything, and then some" as well as labelling former Brisbane players Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli "mercenaries" because they had joined the Suns in the off season.[8] Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna returned serve by stating that the Suns were brought into the competition to clean up the mess left by the Brisbane Bears,[9] which Lions coach and former Bears player Michael Voss said he took personally and stated that McKenna's comments were "out of line".[10] Two days before the game it was revealed that 10 Queenslanders had been chosen to compete in the clash. The Suns got off to a hot start in the first quarter and led the clash by 19 points at first exchange of ends. Gold Coast held that lead through the first three quarters and the tension rose early in the third term when Gold Coast's David Swallow unintentionally knocked Brisbane's Andrew Raines unconscious, who was taken off with concussion. Trailing by 19 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Lions mounted a comeback off the back of six second half goals from Ashley McGrath, who was swung forward at half time. A Todd Banfield goal at the 15-minute mark in the fourth term equaled the scores late in the game but a spectacular pack mark taken by Gold Coast forward Nathan Krakouer a minute later stemmed the tide as he kicked truly for his fifth goal to give the Suns a one-goal lead. McGrath's sixth goal just seconds later again equaled the scores once again. Gold Coast were awarded a controversial free kick for a high tackle a minute later which allowed small forward Brandon Matera to play on and kick the Suns to a seven-point lead that they wouldn't relinquish. The Suns claim the inaugural QClash 18.16 (124) to 17.14 (116).[11] Former Lion and new Sun Jared Brennan was awarded the inaugural Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his best on ground performance that included 30 disposals and 14 clearances.


QClash 1
Saturday, 7 May 2011 (7:10 pm) Gold Coast Suns def. Brisbane Lions Gabba Ground (crowd: 25,504) [1]
6.3 (39)
10.8 (68)
13.13 (91)
18.16 (124)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Final
3.2 (20)
6.5 (35)
11.7 (73)
17.14 (116)
Umpires: Jennings, Ryan, McInerney
Marcus Ashcroft Medal: Jared Brennan
Brownlow Votes:
3 J. Brennan, 2 Z. Smith, 1 A. McGrath
Television broadcast: Fox Footy (national), Seven Network (simulcast in QLD)
5: Krakouer
2: Matera, Patrick, Lynch
1: Stanley, Shaw, McKenzie, Iles, Harris, Daye, Brennan
Goals 6: McGrath
3: Rich
2: Banfield, Clark
1: Polkinghorne, Black, Beams, Adcock
Brennan, Krakouer, Smith, Rischitelli, Ablett Jr, Harris Best Rich, Black, McGrath, Leuenberger, Hanley
Gorringe (hamstring) Injuries Raines (concussion)
Nil Reports Nil

QClash 11 — The bump

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QClash 11 took place on 16 April 2016 at Gabba Ground. The Suns had compiled an undefeated 3-0 record leading into the game and were sitting equal top of the ladder while the Lions were winless sitting on the bottom of the ladder. The two teams traded goals for much of the first half as the Suns led by 2 points at the end of the first term and 8 points at half time. The biggest talking point of the night took place a minute before half time when Gold Coast defender Steven May elected to bump Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin under his chin. Martin was knocked unconscious and was motionless for several minutes after the incident. May was a repeat offender as he had bumped Lion Tom Rockliff unconscious in QClash 9.[12] Seemingly spurred on by what had occurred just prior to half time, the Lions gained the lead in the third quarter and eventually ran out 13-point winners at full time. The Marcus Ashcroft Medal was awarded to Irishman Pearce Hanley for his sublime 28-disposal, 2-goal performance.[13] In the week following the match, May was referred straight to the tribunal where he later received a five-match suspension.[14]

QClash 15 — Zorko refuses to shake hands

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QClash 15 took place on 22 April 2018 at Gabba Ground. Both Queensland clubs had suffered embarrassing losses the week prior to the 15th local derby and were keen to prove a point in the round 5 clash. The Suns went about building a healthy lead in the first half and led the contest by 14 points at the major break. Gold Coast then led the clash by as many as 27 points in the third quarter before Brisbane began fighting back. In the midst of a goalscoring frenzy from Brisbane, North Queenslander Charlie Cameron produced one of the goals of the year[15] with a three effort run of play that involved a gather, a handball, a recovery, a tackle break, a fend off and ultimately a spinning snap goal.[16] By the halfway point of the fourth quarter, Gold Coast's lead had been reduced to just four points. Despite Brisbane's relentless pressure in the last eight minutes of the game, the Suns were able to hold on for a five-point victory. Touk Miller was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his shutdown role on Brisbane vice captain Dayne Zorko. However, post-game footage captured Zorko telling his opponent to "fuck off" when approached for a handshake.[17] Zorko was subsequently criticised by the media for the incident in the days that followed.[18][19]

QClash 16 — 'Soft' comments and Zorko vs Miller

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QClash 16 was held at Carrara Stadium on 18 August 2018. In the week leading up to the game, Brisbane defender Nick Robertson spoke on Macquarie Sports Radio where he labelled Gold Coast players "soft" and that he thought they "take a bit of a backwards step when blokes go hard in at the footy." Robertson added "I hope they hear that too" as the radio interview concluded.[20] Hours later Brisbane coach Chris Fagan publicly expressed disappointment over Robertson's comments.[21] When asked about his thoughts on Robertson's comments the next day, Gold Coast midfielder Jack Bowes was diplomatic and said "we respect all opposition."[22] The fiery clash began with Brisbane kicking three unanswered goals before Gold Coast managed to score a goal just before quarter time. Following the quarter time siren, tempers flared as a mini-melee broke out between the two teams. The tension rose to another level midway through the second quarter when Sean Lemmens collected Brandon Starcevich with a high shot. Mitch Robinson and Lemmens collided in the immediate aftermath, while Dayne Zorko was floored metres away after being pushed into by Alex Sexton.[23] The Lions took a slender one-goal lead into halftime as Gold Coast had fought back with five goals in the second quarter.

The Suns quickly captured ascendency early in the third quarter and held the lead until a contentious free kick was awarded to Harris Andrews, which resulted in a goal after the three-quarter time siren and subsequently handed the lead back to Brisbane. Upon viewing the replay, commentator Alastair Lynch stated "I actually don't think that is a holding free kick." Two quick goals allowed the Suns to build a nine-point lead early in the fourth quarter but a controversial 50 metre penalty for impeding the protected zone in the middle of the ground appeared to diminish Gold Coast's momentum and resulted in a Brisbane goal from Allen Christensen.[24] Four minutes later Dayne Beams kicked a crucial goal midway through the fourth quarter to give Brisbane a four-point lead. Despite the margin remaining at four points for the last two and a half minutes, the Lions would hold the lead and walk away victorious 10.18 (78) to 11.8 (74) in QClash 16. Dayne Beams was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his magnificent 38-disposal performance.[25] Gold Coast midfielder Touk Miller was given the task of tagging Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko for the entire game and camera footage consistently showed the two engaging in scuffles with one another throughout the match.[26] In the moments following the final siren, Zorko went directly to Miller and yelled expletives to his face before smiling and extending his hand to shake Miller's.[27] The pair shook hands before Zorko continued to follow Miller around the field with his hand extended. As was the case after QClash 15, the media criticised Zorko for demonstrating a lack of sportsmanship in the days that followed.[28][29][30][31] Four fines were handed to players from either side after the match; Brisbane's Luke Hodge and Mitch Robinson[32] as well as Gold Coast's Brayden Fiorini and Sean Lemmens received fines.[33] A month after the clash, Touk Miller stated "we don't like each other" when asked about Zorko and the rivalry between the two clubs.[34]

QClash 23 — Struggling Suns make a stand and ongoing dislike between the clubs

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Leading into the 23rd edition of the QClash, Gold Coast had lost seven consecutive matches to Brisbane by an average margin of 52 points and were publicly implored by media onlookers to make a stand in this particular clash.[35] Intrigue began to grow in the days leading up to the match as it was confirmed that Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko would return from injury for the match and an in-form Gold Coast skipper Touk Miller was also a confirmed starter.[36] It was also revealed that Gold Coast stalwart David Swallow would break the all-time games record for the Suns by competing in QClash 23.[37] Both teams entered the clash in precarious ladder positions with Brisbane clinging on to a top four position on the ladder and Gold Coast within striking distance of entering the top eight.[38] QClash 23 took place at Gabba Ground on 23 July 2022 and the game was hotly contested from the beginning as Brisbane led by just eight points at quarter time. The Suns stunned the vocal Brisbane home crowd in the second quarter by kicking five goals to the Lions' two majors as Gold Coast would enter the halftime break with a six point lead. The match would turn into a seesawing affair in the third quarter with six lead changes but the Suns would lead the clash by seven points at the last break with their performance being highlighted by key forwards Levi Casboult and Queenslander Mabior Chol who had combined for six goals at three quarter time. A noticeably tired Gold Coast outfit began to wilt at the midway point of the fourth quarter and conceded five consecutive goals to lose the clash by 17 points. Despite the loss, Gold Coast were highly commended for their performance against a top four side and Touk Miller was awarded a record-equalling third Marcus Ashcroft Medal as best afield.[39] A month later, Touk Miller revealed in an interview that he had a "genuine dislike" for the Lions as well as Dayne Zorko and that it hurt him deeply to lose eight consecutive games to Brisbane.[40]

QClash 25 — Suns snap losing streak and Zorko accuses Miller of groin tackle

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QClash 25 took place on 29 July 2023 at Carrara Stadium. The high flying third placed Lions entered the match as the hot favourites to continue their nine-game winning streak against a struggling Suns outfit sitting 14th on the ladder and fighting to keep their season alive. The clash also served as the scene for Gold Coast vice captain Sam Collins' milestone 100th AFL game. A hotly contested first quarter played out with both teams kicking multiple goals before Dayne Zorko drew a free kick for high contact inside his forward 50 just seconds before quarter time and kicked truly after the siren to give the Lions a seven-point lead at the end of the first term. The second quarter was also an evenly contested term with the Suns able to gain a three-point ascendency at halftime. Gold Coast's players unexpectedly formed a huddle on field just prior to the beginning of the third quarter and began the third term well by playing inspired football which included kicking five of the first six goals to give themselves a 17-point lead at three quarter time. The Suns were able to continue their fantastic form in the fourth quarter by kicking a further five goals to Brisbane's one and this allowed Gold Coast to secure a streak breaking 41-point victory over the highly fancied Lions. Suns key forward Ben King was one of Gold Coast's best players with a five-goal haul, Touk Miller was awarded a record breaking fourth Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his shutdown role on one of the league's Brownlow Medal favourites Lachie Neale and Gold Coast defender Mac Andrew was awarded the Round 19 Rising Star nomination for his sublime performance.[41]

The biggest talking point from the game was a tackle performed by Touk Miller on Dayne Zorko in the third quarter that Zorko alleged was illegal. At the completion of the tackle, Zorko immediately remonstrated and was heard telling the umpire that Miller "just fucking grabbed my nuts!" (Squirrel grip) The incident was reviewed and not cited as illegal by Match Review Officer Michael Christian following the game and the accusation of an illegal action involving Zorko's groin was generally viewed by the media as a difficult one to prove.[42][43] Two days later in a radio interview, Zorko claimed he was suffering from significant bruising in the groin region and expressed his disappointment in the AFL's decision to not charge Miller for the incident.[44] Despite Zorko's claims that they "had really good evidence to support the case,"[45] no report of a sustained injury was communicated to the AFL for their official injury report and the Lions ultimately decided not to pursue the case in the days that followed. Interim Gold Coast coach Steven King said he found Zorko's accusation towards Miller "disrespectful" before adamantly claiming he knows the integrity of Miller and that any contact was "completely accidental".[46] However, in a surprising twist, the AFL backflipped on their decision by announcing on the Thursday night that followed the game that Miller had been handed a one-match suspension for "conduct unbecoming" and the Suns would publicly state that they were "extremely disappointed" by the decision,[47] while also going on to lose a must-win clash without Miller in the next round that would effectively end their 2023 season.[48]


QClash 25
Saturday, 29 July 2023 (4:35 pm) Gold Coast Suns def. Brisbane Lions Carrara Stadium (crowd: 14,097) [2]
2.2 (14)
5.3 (33)
10.3 (63)
15.6 (96)
Q1
Q2
Q3
Final
3.3 (21)
4.6 (30)
6.10 (46)
7.13 (55)
Umpires: Stephens, Whetton, Adair, Strybos
Marcus Ashcroft Medal: Touk Miller
Brownlow Votes:
3: T. Miller, 2: B. King, 1: M. Rowell
Television broadcast: Fox Footy (national), Seven Network (QLD)
5: King
2: Casboult, Ainsworth
1: Rowell, Rosas, Darcy Macpherson, Farrar, Ellis, Anderson
Goals 2: Cameron
1: Zorko, McCluggage, McCarthy, Lohmann, Hipwood
Miller, Anderson, King, Powell, Rowell, Flanders Best Dunkley, Coleman, McCluggage, Ah Chee, Wilmot
Injuries Coleman (head)
Nil Reports Nil


QClash results (Men)

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Season Date Rd Home Team Score Away Team Score Ground Crowd Result/Winner M H2H Report
1 2011 7 May 7   Gold Coast 18.16 (124)   Brisbane 17.14 (116) Gabba Ground[note 1] 25,501 Gold Coast 8 +1 [3]
2 13 August 21   Brisbane 18.15 (123)   Gold Coast 8.13 (61) 23,565  Brisbane  62 0 [4]
3 2012 21 April 4   Brisbane 17.9 (111)   Gold Coast 6.10 (46) 21,980  Brisbane  65  +1  [5]
4 21 July 17   Gold Coast 5.18 (48)   Brisbane 8.11 (59) Carrara Stadium 16,550  Brisbane  11  +2  [6]
5 2013 13 April 3   Gold Coast 13.14 (92)   Brisbane 13.16 (94) 12,961  Brisbane  2  +3  [7]
6 6 July 15   Brisbane 17.14 (116)   Gold Coast 12.11 (83) Gabba Ground 27,170  Brisbane  33  +4  [8]
7 2014 5 April 3   Gold Coast 17.12 (114)   Brisbane 9.7 (61) Carrara Stadium 16,593 Gold Coast 53  +3  [9]
8 26 July 18   Brisbane 16.14 (110)   Gold Coast 8.8 (56) Gabba Ground 27,167  Brisbane  54  +4  [10]
9 2015 2 May 5   Gold Coast 18.10 (118)   Brisbane 7.12 (54) Carrara Stadium 12,464 Gold Coast 64  +3  [11]
10 8 August 19   Brisbane 14.16 (100)   Gold Coast 17.12 (114) Gabba Ground 20,025 Gold Coast 14  +2  [12]
11 2016 16 April 4   Brisbane 14.23 (107)   Gold Coast 14.10 (94) 20,041  Brisbane  13  +3  [13]
12 9 July 16   Gold Coast 22.7 (139)   Brisbane 17.11 (113) Carrara Stadium 13,528 Gold Coast 26  +2  [14]
13 2017 25 March 1   Gold Coast 14.12 (96)   Brisbane 15.8 (98) 12,710  Brisbane  2  +3  [15]
14 12 August 21   Brisbane 22.10 (142)   Gold Coast 12.12 (84) Gabba Ground 17,772  Brisbane  58  +4  [16][dead link]
15 2018 22 April 5   Brisbane 10.11 (71)   Gold Coast 11.10 (76) 16,087 Gold Coast 5  +3  [17]
16 18 August 22   Gold Coast 11.8 (74)   Brisbane 10.18 (78) Carrara Stadium 11,907  Brisbane  4  +4  [18]
17 2019 27 April 6   Gold Coast 9.8 (62)   Brisbane 16.15 (111) 13,694  Brisbane  49  +5  [19]
18 10 August 21   Brisbane 22.12 (144)   Gold Coast 8.5 (53) Gabba Ground 22,530  Brisbane  91  +6  [20]
19 2020 9 September 16   Brisbane 13.10 (88)   Gold Coast 6.7 (43) 11,292  Brisbane  45  +7  [21]
20 2021 15 May 9   Gold Coast 7.9 (51)   Brisbane 19.10 (124) Carrara Stadium 12,636  Brisbane  73  +8  [22]
21 24 July 20   Brisbane 17.18 (120)   Gold Coast 10.11 (71) Gabba Ground 16,660  Brisbane  49  +9  [23]
22 2022 24 April 6   Gold Coast 11.14 (80)   Brisbane 21.6 (132) Carrara Stadium 14,897  Brisbane  52  +10  [24]
23 23 July 19   Brisbane 16.14 (110)   Gold Coast 14.9 (93) Gabba Ground 21,467  Brisbane  17  +11  [25]
24 2023 20 May 10   Brisbane 16.11 (107)   Gold Coast 9.10 (64) 23,286  Brisbane  43  +12  [26]
25 29 July 20   Gold Coast 15.6 (96)   Brisbane 7.13 (55) Carrara Stadium 14,097 Gold Coast 41  +11  [27]
26 2024 5 May 8   Brisbane 10.19 (79)   Gold Coast 6.9 (45) Gabba Ground 30,285  Brisbane  34  +12  [28]
27 27 July 20   Gold Coast 9.11 (65)   Brisbane 13.15 (93) Carrara Stadium 21,043  Brisbane  28  +13  [29]
  1. ^ QClash 1 played at The Gabba due to Carrara Stadium not being completed (Saturday, 28 May 2011).

Timeline of results

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GC
 BL 
GC
 BL 
GC
 BL 
GC
 BL 
GC
 BL 
GC
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024

Marcus Ashcroft Medal

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Current Gold Coast captain Touk Miller holds the record for the most Marcus Ashcroft Medals (4).

The Marcus Ashcroft Medal is awarded to the player adjudged best on field during the QClash. It is named after triple Brisbane Lions AFL premiership player Marcus Ashcroft, who played junior football in Gold Coast for Surfers Paradise and Southport. Ashcroft also held administrative roles at both the Lions and the Suns post-playing career.

Year Round Winner Total of Medal Wins Football Club
2011 7 Jared Brennan 1 Gold Coast
21 Simon Black 1 Brisbane
2012 4 Tom Rockliff 1 Brisbane
17 Gary Ablett 1 Gold Coast*
2013 3 Jonathan Brown 1 Brisbane
15 Matthew Leuenberger 1 Brisbane
2014 3 Gary Ablett 2 Gold Coast
18 Pearce Hanley 1 Brisbane
2015 5 Charlie Dixon 1 Gold Coast
19 Tom Lynch 1 Gold Coast
2016 4 Pearce Hanley 2 Brisbane
16 Touk Miller 1 Gold Coast
2017 1 Dayne Beams 1 Brisbane
21 Dayne Beams 2 Brisbane
2018 5 Touk Miller 2 Gold Coast
22 Dayne Beams 3 Brisbane
2019 6 Mitch Robinson 1 Brisbane
21 Charlie Cameron 1 Brisbane
2020 16 Lachie Neale 1 Brisbane
2021 9 Jarryd Lyons 1 Brisbane
19 Jarryd Lyons 2 Brisbane
2022 6 Zac Bailey 1 Brisbane
19 Touk Miller 3 Gold Coast*
2023 10 Lachie Neale 2 Brisbane
20 Touk Miller 4 Gold Coast
2024 8 Dayne Zorko 1 Brisbane
20 Dayne Zorko 2 Brisbane
*Indicates a player on the losing team who won the Marcus Ashcroft Medal.

Shared history

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Callum Ah Chee, Pearce Hanley and Jarryd Lyons are the only players to have appeared in QClashes for Brisbane and Gold Coast.

Multi-club Players

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Below is a list of players who spent time at both the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns, and played in at least one QClash, in order of appearance for their second of the two clubs. It is updated through to the end of QClash 24.

Rohan Bewick (on Brisbane's list from 2011 to 2018 for 103 games) and Dayne Zorko (on Brisbane's list from 2012 to present for 230 games) were also traded from Gold Coast to Brisbane, but were only prelisted at the Suns and were never on their official list. When asked how he felt about the situation, Zorko admitted he was "extremely disappointed" and that the outcome "cut deeply" when his hometown club chose to trade him.[49][50] Joel Tippett was on Brisbane's list from 2007 to 2009, however he didn't play a game before playing two matches for Gold Coast in 2011. Tippett never featured in a QClash.

Current AFL-listed players
Order of playing

for second club

Player Games Played for Brisbane

(Years Listed)

Games Played for Gold Coast

(Years Listed)

Number of QClashes Played
1   Jared Brennan 119 (2003–10) 54 (2011–13) 6
  Michael Rischitelli 111 (2004–10) 130 (2011–19) 13
4   Andrew Raines 67 (2010–14) 6 (2015) 6
5   Pearce Hanley 129 (2008–16) 40 (2017–20) 14
6   Jarryd Lyons 67 (2019–) 37 (2017–18) 11
7   Callum Ah Chee 61 (2020–) 45 (2016–19) 11
8   Tom Berry 20 (2019–22) 3 (2023–) 1

Statistics

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Up to date at the completion of QClash 26

Current AFL-listed players

Games Played

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# Player Club QClashes
1   Dayne Zorko Brisbane 23
2   David Swallow Gold Coast 21
3   Daniel Rich Brisbane 19
4   Ryan Lester Brisbane 18
5   Jarrod Harbrow Gold Coast 17

Goalkickers

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Most goals in one game

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North Queenslander Charlie Cameron has kicked the most career QClash goals (29).
# Player Club Venue Year Round Goals Behinds Total Score
1   Charlie Dixon Gold Coast Carrara Stadium 2015 Round 5 6 2 38
  Charlie Cameron Brisbane Gabba Ground 2019 Round 21 6 1 37
  Zac Bailey Brisbane Gabba Ground 2022 Round 6 6 0 36
  Ashley McGrath Brisbane Gabba Ground 2011 Round 7 6 0 36

Most career goals

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# Player Club Goals Behinds Games
1   Charlie Cameron Brisbane 30 12 11
2   Tom Lynch Gold Coast 27 12 12
3   Dayne Zorko Brisbane 21 17 23
4   Eric Hipwood Brisbane 20 16 13
5   Alex Sexton Gold Coast 18 8 12
  Ben King Gold Coast 18 9 7

Hitouts

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Most hitouts in a game

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Jarrod Witts holds the record for the most hitouts in QClash history (415).
# Player Club Year Round Hitouts
1   Jarrod Witts Gold Coast 2019 Round 21 53
2   Matthew Leuenberger Brisbane 2011 Round 7 52
3   Jarrod Witts Gold Coast 2023 Round 10 51
4   Jarrod Witts Gold Coast 2022 Round 19 50
5   Jarrod Witts Gold Coast 2022 Round 6 48

Most career hit-outs

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# Player Club Hitouts Games
1   Jarrod Witts Gold Coast 456 11
2   Stefan Martin Brisbane 346 12
3   Oscar McInerney Brisbane 264 10
4   Tom Nicholls Gold Coast 186 6
5   Matthew Leuenberger Brisbane 184 5

Disposals

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Most disposals in a game

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Queenslander Dayne Zorko holds recorded the most disposals in QClash history (447).
# Player Club Venue Year Round Disposals
1   Tom Rockliff Brisbane Gabba Ground 2014 Round 18 47
2   Pearce Hanley Brisbane Gabba Ground 2014 Round 18 45
3   Brayden Fiorini Gold Coast Gabba Ground 2021 Round 19 41
4   Dayne Zorko Brisbane Lions Gabba Ground 2024 Round 8 40
5   Gary Ablett Jr Gold Coast Carrara Stadium 2014 Round 3 38
  Dayne Beams Brisbane Carrara Stadium 2018 Round 22 38

Most career disposals

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# Player Club Disposals Games
1   Dayne Zorko Brisbane 447 22
2   David Swallow Gold Coast 440 20
3   Daniel Rich Brisbane 395 19
4   Tom Rockliff Brisbane 371 13
5   Touk Miller Gold Coast 354 15

Clearances

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David Swallow holds the record for the most clearances in QClash history (84).

Most clearances in a game

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# Player Club Venue Year Round Clearances
1   Jared Brennan Gold Coast Gabba Ground 2011 Round 7 14
2   Jarryd Lyons Brisbane Carrara Stadium 2022 Round 6 13
  Matt Rowell Gold Coast Carrara Stadium 2022 Round 6 13
4   Oscar McInerney Brisbane Gabba Ground 2021 Round 19 12
5   Tom Rockliff Brisbane Gabba Ground 2014 Round 18 11

Most career clearances

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# Player Club Games Clearances
1   David Swallow Gold Coast 21 84
2   Touk Miller Gold Coast 16 77
3   Dayne Zorko Brisbane 23 75
4   Jarryd Lyons Brisbane
Gold Coast
11 69
5   Tom Rockliff Brisbane 13 64

Tackles

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Matt Rowell holds the joint record for the most tackles in a QClash (13).

Most tackles in a game

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# Player Club Venue Year Round Tackles
1   Matt Rowell Gold Coast Carrara Stadium 2023 Round 20 13
1   Jaeger O'Meara Gold Coast Gabba Ground 2014 Round 8 13
3   Matt Rowell Gold Coast Gabba Ground 2023 Round 10 12
4   Touk Miller Gold Coast Carrara Stadium 2016 Round 16 11
4   Mitch Robinson Brisbane Carrara Stadium 2015 Round 19 11

Most career tackles

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# Player Club Games Tackles
1   Dayne Zorko Brisbane 23 137
2   Touk Miller Gold Coast 16 84
3   David Swallow Gold Coast 21 81
4   Tom Rockliff Brisbane 13 69
5   Jarryd Lyons Brisbane
Gold Coast
11 65
 
Queensland junior and triple Brisbane Lions AFL Premiership captain Michael Voss holds the second best winning percentage of any coach in QClash history (83.3%).
# Player Club Games Votes
1   Jarryd Lyons Brisbane Lions
Gold Coast
11 12
2   Pearce Hanley Brisbane Lions
Gold Coast
14 10
3   Dayne Beams Brisbane 5 9
  Touk Miller Gold Coast 15 9
  Tom Rockliff Brisbane 13 9

All-time coaching record

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Current AFL Head Coach
Coach Club Win Loss Draw Games Win % Diff
  Chris Fagan Brisbane 11 2 0 13 84.6 +9
  Michael Voss Brisbane 5 1 0 6 83.3 +4
  Steven King Gold Coast 1 1 0 1 100 +1
  Rodney Eade Gold Coast 3 2 0 5 60 +1
  Damien Hardwick Gold Coast 0 1 0 1 0 −1
  Dean Solomon Gold Coast 0 1 0 1 0 −1
  Justin Leppitsch Brisbane 2 4 0 6 33.3 −2
  Guy McKenna Gold Coast 2 6 0 8 25 −4
  Stuart Dew Gold Coast 1 9 0 9 10 −7

QClash Results (Women)

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The first AFLW QClash was played on 22 February 2020 at Carrara Stadium and resulted in a draw.[51]

Results

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Season Date Rd Home Team Score Away Team Score Ground Crowd Winner H2H QClash Medal Report
1 2020 22 February 3 Gold Coast 4.4 (28) Brisbane 4.4 (28) Carrara Stadium 4,223 Draw 0  Kate Lutkins  [30]
2 2021 7 February 2 Brisbane 10.5 (65) Gold Coast 0.2 (2) Hickey Park 2,101  Brisbane by 63   +1   Jesse Wardlaw  [31]
3 2022 (S6) 17 February 7 Gold Coast 2.4 (16) Brisbane 12.13 (85) Carrara Stadium 1,105  Brisbane by 69   +2   Courtney Hodder  [32]
4 2022 (S7) 10 September 3 Brisbane 12.10 (82) Gold Coast 1.3 (9) Gabba Ground 2,582  Brisbane by 73   +3   Emily Bates  [33]
5 2023 14 October 7 Gold Coast 3.3 (21) Brisbane 8.9 (57) Carrara Stadium 1,873  Brisbane by 36   +4   Ally Anderson  [34]
6 2024 12 October 7 Brisbane 6.8 (44) Gold Coast 4.4 (28) Springfield Central Stadium 3,142  Brisbane by 16   +5   Belle Dawes  [35]

Statistics

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Correct as of end of season 7.

Current AFLW-listed players

Most career goals

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Jesse Wardlaw has kicked the most career QClash goals (10).
# Player Club Goals Games
1   Jesse Wardlaw Brisbane 10 4
2   Greta Bodey Brisbane 5 4
3   Dakota Davidson Brisbane 4 3
  Taylor Smith Gold Coast
Brisbane
4 3
5   Zimmorlei Farquharson Brisbane 3 2
  Kalinda Howarth Brisbane
Gold Coast
3 3

Two-club players

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Dee Heslop is the only player to have appeared in QClashes for both Brisbane and Gold Coast.

Below is a list of players who spent time at both the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns, in order of appearance for their second of the two clubs.

Order of playing

for second club

Player Games Played for Brisbane
(Years Listed)
Games Played for Gold Coast
(Years Listed)
Number of QClashes Played
1   Lauren Bella 3 (2019) 36 (2020–) 4
  Tori Groves-Little 2 (2019) 11 (2020–2022 (S7)) 1
  Kalinda Howarth 0 (2018) 34 (2020–) 3
  Leah Kaslar 21 (2017–2019) 15 (2020–2021) 2
  Paige Parker 4 (2019) 13 (2020–2021) 1
  Emma Pittman 8 (2018–2019) 2 (2020–2022 (S6)) 0
  Molly Ritson 0 (2018) 9 (2020–2021) 1
  Jamie Stanton 16 (2017–2018) 25 (2020–) 3
  Sam Virgo 15 (2017–2019) 14 (2020–2021) 2
  Jacqui Yorston 4 (2019) 15 (2020–2022 (S6)) 2
11   Taylor Smith 35 (2021–) 1 (2020) 3
12   Dee Heslop 11 (2022 (S7)–) 23 (2020–2022 (S6)) 4
  Krystal Scott 0 (2018–2019) 1 (2022 (S7)) 0
14   Ellie Hampson 0 (2023–) 23 (2020–2022 (S7)) 3
  Jordan Membrey 5 (2017) 0 (2023–) 0
  Jade Pregelj 0 (2023–) 19 (2020–2022 (S7)) 2

All-time coaching record

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Current AFLW Head-Coach
Coach Club Win Loss Draw Games Win % Diff
  Craig Starcevich Brisbane 3 0 0 3 100 +3
  Daniel Merrett Brisbane 0 0 1 1 0 0
  David Lake Gold Coast 0 1 1 2 0 −1
  Cameron Joyce Gold Coast 0 2 0 2 0 −2

Results

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Season Date Rd Home Team Score Away Team Score Ground Winner H2H
1 2021 13 May 5 Gold Coast 8.13 (61) Brisbane 19.7 (121) Carrara Stadium  Brisbane by 60   +1 
2 2022 24 July 18 Brisbane 13.11 (89) Gold Coast 13.13 (91) Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex  Gold Coast by 2  0
3 2023 29 July 19 Gold Coast 13.14 (92) Brisbane 11.8 (74) Carrara Stadium  Gold Coast by 18   +1 
4 2023 2 September 1QF Gold Coast 19.13 (127) Brisbane 12.12 (84) Carrara Stadium  Gold Coast by 43   +2 
5 2024 5 May 6 Brisbane 11.5 (71) Gold Coast 24.13 (157) Springfield Central Stadium  Gold Coast by 86   +3 
6 2024 27 July 18 Gold Coast 20.11 (131) Brisbane 14.12 (96) Carrara Stadium  Gold Coast by 35   +4 

See also

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References

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  1. ^ QClash sets TV record - afl.com.au. Published 9 May 2011. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  2. ^ Stafford, Andrew (7 May 2011). "Jumping the Q". The Age. p. 11.
  3. ^ Dampney, James (26 June 2012). "Rivals search for a name".[dead link]
  4. ^ Lions and Suns launch QClash
  5. ^ QClash 1: Marcus Ashcroft Medal announced (1 May 2011)
  6. ^ Greg Davis; Andrew Hamilton (21 April 2012). "Lions star Jonathan Brown issues rallying cry ahead of QClash". The Courier-Mail.
  7. ^ Suns score first win over Port Adelaide
  8. ^ Simon Black sledges former Brisbane Lions teammate Michael Rischitelli and Jared Brennan
  9. ^ Suns coach Guy McKenna hits back at Brisbane Lions gibes
  10. ^ Suns swipe 'personal' says Voss
  11. ^ Hot Suns fry Lions
  12. ^ Gold Coast Suns Steven May banned for three games
  13. ^ QClash 11 - Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns
  14. ^ AFL Tribunal April 19th - The May Verdict
  15. ^ 2018 AFL Mark and Goal of the Year Finalists
  16. ^ Cameron snaps a great goal
  17. ^ Dayne Zorko slammed for lack of sportsmanship against Suns
  18. ^ Lions star under fire over unsportsmanlike act
  19. ^ Fuse lit for next QClash after handshake snubbing
  20. ^ Brisbane’s Nick Robertson calls the Gold Coast Suns ‘soft’ ahead of the QClash
  21. ^ QClash: Brisbane coach Chris Fagan filthy over Nick Robertson’s ‘soft’ sledge at Gold Coast
  22. ^ SUNS TV: Bowes Presser
  23. ^ AFL Twitter: Emotions boiled over between the Suns and the Lions after this incident.
  24. ^ Skipper 'carried on like an absolute goose'
  25. ^ Brisbane Lions Player of the Round: Round 22
  26. ^ It was fight night in the Q-Clash
  27. ^ Little men are growing a big QClash rivalry
  28. ^ Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko criticised for heated post-match verbal exchange with Touk Miller
  29. ^ Lions captain blasted for 'putrid' act of poor sportsmanship
  30. ^ 'Terrible leadership': AFL great slams Zorko for disrespectful act
  31. ^ ‘He just needs to pull his head in’: Carlton legend Robert Walls clips Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko
  32. ^ Two Lions fined following QClash
  33. ^ Match Review: Two SUNS charged
  34. ^ Touk Miller Addresses The Dayne Zorko Incidents
  35. ^ Time for Suns to crank up the heat on bullying Lions
  36. ^ Lions coach Chris Fagan calls on fit-again stars to justify their return to Brisbane’s top 22
  37. ^ 'Ferocious, courageous, selfless': Favourite Sun to break games record
  38. ^ ‘So much on the line’ as Dayne Zorko returns in time for QClash
  39. ^ Lions overpower Suns in QClash to enhance top-four chances
  40. ^ Dyl & Friends | #158 Touk Miller
  41. ^ Suns defender grabs Rising Star nomination after QClash win
  42. ^ Grab and squeeze: 'bruised' Zorko's Miller accusation
  43. ^ Jon Ralph Twitter Page
  44. ^ Concussion caution for Port’s Aliir; Zorko says Miller ‘grabbed my nuts’
  45. ^ “YOU’RE ALLOWED TO GRAB THE GROIN REGION”: ZORKO SURPRISED MILLER ESCAPED SANCTION FOR ‘SQUIRREL GRIP’
  46. ^ INSIDE THE BITTER FEUD BETWEEN ZORKO AND MILLER AS THE AFL CONSIDERS TAKING ACTION
  47. ^ Gold Coast Suns rage after Touk Miller ban but AFL great says squirrel grip no accident
  48. ^ Crows blitz kills Suns’ finals hopes amid skipper’s selfless act
  49. ^ "Dayne Zorko a star for Brisbane Lions after being passed over by Gold Coast Suns". 24 March 2017.
  50. ^ "Dayne holds no grudges against Suns over diss". 13 April 2013.
  51. ^ AFLW Round 3 2020 - Gold Coast vs Brisbane match report
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