QClash

Background

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

"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." - Brisbane Lions CEO Malcolm Holmes.

The medal for the player adjudged best on ground is known as the Marcus Ashcroft Medal. It is named after former footballer Marcus Ashcroft, who played 318 games for the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions between 1989 and 2003, and is currently a member of Gold Coast's coaching staff. He was the first Queenslander to play 300 AFL games. Gold Coast's Gary Ablett has currently won the medal twice, the most by any player.

The trophy awarded to the winner of the game is currently known as the "QClash Trophy". The trophy is a "traditional style" 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".

QClash 1 - Inaugural Queensland Clash

The first edition of the QClash took place on 7 May 2011 at The Gabba. 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. Brisbane's triple premiership player Simon Black labeled former Lions Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli "mercenaries" in the lead up to the game because they had joined the Suns in the off season. The Suns got off to a hot start in the first quarter and led the clash by 19 points at first exchange of ends. The 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. The 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). Former Lion and then-Sun Jared Brennan was awarded the inaugural Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his best on ground performance that included 30 disposals and 14 clearances.

QClash 11 - The bump

QClash 11 took place on 16 April 2016 at The Gabba. 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. 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. In the week following the match, May was referred straight to the tribunal where he later received a five-match suspension.

Marcus Ashcroft Medal

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 as a junior for the Southport Sharks.

Statistics

Up to date at the completion of QClash 12

AFL Pre-Season results

Like both the "Western Derby" and the "Showdown" pre-season matches do not count towards the overall QClash results and statistics. However, The first ever match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns occurred during the 2011 pre-season. To date three of the six fixtures have been held in either suburban or regional venues, as part of the restructured pre-season competition to see more matches being held in more non-traditional venues.

NEAFL Season results

Since 2011 both the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns have fielded reserve teams in the North East Australian Football League. The number of fixtures has changed with each season.

AFL Women's results

In preparation for the 2017 launch of AFL Women's the AFL held 10 Exhibition Series matches during the 2016 Season. The only match held in Queensland featured both a Women's side from the Brisbane Lions & the Gold Coast Suns, played right after the completion of the Men's QClash 11.

In June of 2016 the Brisbane Lions Women were awarded the license as the sole representative from Queensland in AFL Women's for the 2017 season.