Chris Fagan is skipping the QClash’s new-found romanticism and focusing on the science.
Sunday’s sold-out Gabba derby between the second-placed Lions (6-1) and third-placed Gold Coast (5-1) is being dubbed the biggest yet since the Suns’ 2011 AFL introduction.
Brisbane coach Fagan talked down its significance on Saturday though, his coaching hat firmly on as he preferred instead to look at the numbers.
“Bit nervous, bit toey but it doesn’t make any difference to me,” he said.
“Every time we play … there’s a rivalry there. I don’t sense it’s any greater this year in terms of the ladder.
“Every side presents its challenges.
“They’re the most in-form team in the competition if percentage is anything to go by.
“That means all parts of their game are going pretty well.”
The Suns, chasing a maiden finals campaign, have run over teams in second halves this season and boast a competition-best percentage of 150.1.
But they will face their sternest test against the defending champions at a full Gabba.
How their midfield – manned by new skipper Noah Anderson and the in-form Matt Rowell, Touk Miller and Bailey Humphrey – holds up against the Lions’ Lachie Neale-led unit will be key.
“It all starts at stoppages … that’s their one wood and is probably ours too,” Fagan said.
“They’re a good momentum team. We can’t afford at any stage in the game to be anywhere less than somewhere near our best.”
Lions recruit Sam Day will face the Suns for the first time since he was delisted by them last year.
Fagan has not spoken to the key forward and ruck pinch-hitter about that but admits it will be “human nature” if Day feels like he has a point to prove.
The Suns are again unchanged while Brisbane young gun Kai Lohmann (shoulder) continues his frustrating season and Logan Morris (calf) will also miss the clash.
Versatile Irishman Conor McKenna is back for the Lions, so too key defender Jack Payne and 20-year-old forward Will McLachlan.
