The upcoming semi-final between Brisbane and Gold Coast will be without a doubt the biggest between the two sides. Ever.

The QClash has quickly joined the rest of the league's rivalries as a must-watch, with the Lions and Suns producing some intoxicating battles.

But after Gold Coast reached their maiden finals campaign, and claimed their first victory in September over Fremantle by one point, they've set up a do-or-die clash with their older brother at the Gabba.

 2025-09-06T09:35:00Z 
Gold Coast WON BY 1 POINTS
Optus Stadium
FRE   
79
FT
80
   GC

Suns coach Damien Hardwick was pull of accolades as his side prevailed in front of a "hostile environment" at Optus Stadium, but can now look forward to returning to their home state.

"In a hostile environment, it's always one of the toughest trips in modern AFL footy. To come away with a one-point victory when we got headed, I thought it spoke volumes of the playing group and how far the club has come," Hardwick said.

"It's been 15 years of hard work to make the finals first and foremost, to have our first victory in a final is incredibly rewarding.

"Now we get the challenge of trying to beat Brisbane on their home patch, probably the biggest game in Queensland history, I would imagine. We're looking forward to it."

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Matt Rowell of the Suns competes for the ball during the round 20 AFL match between Gold Coast SUNS and Brisbane Lions at People First Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Matt Rowell of the Suns competes for the ball during the round 20 AFL match between Gold Coast SUNS and Brisbane Lions at People First Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

The Suns have won two QClashes since 2019, but the last outing between the two rivals was in favour of the expansion club, to the tune of 66 points.

"We had a really good win against them six to eight weeks ago," Hardwick added. "We take a lot of stock out of that.

"Both sides will have challenges. I do know Brisbane are a very, very good football club and that's what we aspire to be.

"At some stage, little brother has got to step up and take them on on their home deck. We look forward to that challenge.

"We've managed to knock a few things over this year that we haven't achieved thus far. A victory over here is one of those. A victory at the Gabba would be incredibly nice. I think this group is only starting out in our journey."

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