Deep gaps exposed as Lions eclipse Suns on significant night for AFL in Queensland
A 17-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba highlighted differences in maturity and mental preparedness between the Gold Coast and the top echelon
The Brisbane Lions embraced nostalgia on Sunday night at the Gabba, donning their original 1987 Brisbane Bears kit for their clash against the Gold Coast Suns. The throwback theme was unmistakable — the Carrara Koala, once the team’s oddly lovable mascot, beamed from the LED scoreboard, a cheeky nod to the club’s early days of hosting “home” games 80 kilometres away at Carrara. There were other relics too: cheerleaders, and even Mike Brady’s original club anthem echoed through the stadium. Warwick Capper was missing in action; Christopher Skase, for obvious reasons, didn’t make an appearance.
The message to fans was clear: look how far we’ve come.
The Lions used the occasion to honour those who laid the groundwork for building the AFL’s presence north of the Tweed, turning what was once a novelty act into a genuine footy stronghold. Now four-time premiers, Brisbane still fights for recognition from a Victorian-centric media that often pines for the pre-national days of the competition.
Meanwhile, their opponents — the Gold Coast Suns — continue to search for their breakthrough. Based at the Bears’ former Carrara ground, the Suns are still chasing their first finals appearance after 14 years in the league, a reminder that establishing roots in Queensland remains a work in progress.
