RODNEY Eade has lauded the leadership of Gold Coast full-back Steven May.

May was involved in a heated quarter-time exchange with Tom Lynch in Saturday's QClash victory over the Brisbane Lions, but the Suns coach said he had no problem with it.

Lynch is highly regarded at the Suns – and has been a stand-in captain on occasions this season – but it didn't stop May from confronting him at the Gabba.

In the week leading up to the QClash, Gold Coast players had spoken about keeping their discipline and not getting involved in any niggle with their Queensland rivals. 

However, emotions boiled over at quarter-time when Lynch was late to spoil a marking attempt from Lion Stefan Martin and the incident brought players in from everywhere to remonstrate. 

May pushed Lynch as they left the field in the wake of the melee, and appeared to deliver some heated words.

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Eade says the full-back was reminding Lynch of their pre-match discussions.

"Steve's become a really good leader so he will challenge his teammates and he will demand more from his teammates, especially guys not doing the right things," Eade told AFL.com.au. 

"There might be certain stages when he'll do that, which we think is a good thing."

Discipline – on and off-field – and leadership have been two of the big target areas for improvement under Eade. 

Eade was simmering with disappointment in his post-match press conference after the 14-point victory, after a performance that we well below the level the Suns had set in previous weeks.