GOLD Coast might be higher on the ladder, but the Brisbane Lions still see the Suns as their "little brother," according to Michael Voss.
Ahead of Saturday's QClash at the Gabba, Lions coach Voss went to great lengths at Tuesday's press conference to not bait the Suns, but said his team still felt like the dominant club in Queensland.
Gold Coast has a 5-8 win-loss record and is still a mathematical chance of making finals, while the Lions have battled inconsistency and sit a game – and considerable percentage – behind their northern neighbours.
"They'll always be little brother, that's the way we feel about it," Voss said.
"Every single time we play one another there's always that little bit extra on it.
"There'll be nothing new you have to say to emphasise that. It's two local teams fighting it out and it's going to be a big clash.
"For us being at home, it takes on that bit extra."
Following Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna's comments last week the Suns had not ruled out an unexpected finals run, Voss said it was clear how important this game was to them.
Voss said there would be no excuses for the younger Suns on Saturday night.
"When all things are considered equal, when you walk over that white line … there's no boys that walk out on an AFL field. Never has been, never will be," he said.
"You're required to put your body on the line like everybody else, you're required to compete like everybody else. No matter the age profile, there's a certain level of expectation about the contest. That's the brutality of AFL football."
The Lions are "unlikely" to have Daniel Merrett for a second successive week, with the fullback struggling to overcome a groin injury.
Voss said he expected the game to be won in the midfield, and hinted at being impressed by the young Suns, but would be drawn no further.
"I've spent so much energy just making sure what we get right and that's the most important thing for me," he said.
Tagger Andrew Raines is a chance to return from a stint in the reserves to resume his battle with Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett.
Michael Whiting is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
