Brisbane defender Noah Answerth is looking forward to renewing his high school rivalry with in-form Gold Coast forward Ben Long in Sunday's primetime QClash fixture.
The pair faced off during their time spent at Caulfield Grammar and Melbourne Grammar, respectively, before Long was picked up in 2016 by St Kilda, and Answerth by the Lions two years later.
But being the younger of the duo, the Brisbane defender doesn't recall getting the better of Long.
"I've watched him from afar and played against him at school," Answerth said.
"It's funny how careers can go up and down, but then they work themselves out.
"It doesn't matter when you get the opportunity โ he's taken it this year. He's playing really good footy and always was going to play good footy. It was just getting that run at it and a bit of consistency.
"Much hasn't changed โ he was tough back then and he's still tough now."
The 28th edition of the QClash is set to be the biggest since Gold Coast's inception in 2011. The Lions have held a strong ascendancy over their little brothers, holding a 20-7 win-loss record, but with both sides sitting firmly inside the top four, and only one loss to their name, a thriller is expected at the Gabba.
A fierce rivalry will resume in Saturday's #QClash - Dayne Zorko v Touk Miller! #AFLSunsLions pic.twitter.com/84guBvBrM7
โ AFL (@AFL) April 26, 2019
"They've played the best football they have probably since they've started (in the competition in 2011)," Answerth said.
"They're starting to get going with their ball movement and contested ball โฆ (but) it's always a hard game.
"No matter what they've been like in the past, you always go in thinking it's going to be one of the hardest games you play in the year.
"It's almost like a final. It's a tough contest. They're going to come and play hard, and so are we."
Answerth was one of three Brisbane players injured in the corresponding fixture last year, going down with a concussion. That same match, Darcy Gardiner and Lincoln McCarthy suffered ACL injuries.
The Lions will be buoyed by the return of key defender Jack Payne, who missed last week's victory over St Kilda.
Dashing defender Keidean Coleman will feature in the VFL over the weekend as he attempts to return from an ACL injury sustained in the 2024 Opening Round clash against Carlton.
Brandon Starcevich is also making inroads in his recovery from concussion, and has joined in on skills training at the club.