Lions.com.au takes a look at some of the standout performers in QClash history ahead of the sixth instalment of Queensland’s newest AFL rivalry this Saturday night at the Gabba.

Gary Ablett (Gold Coast SUNS)
Even though Lions tagger Andrew Raines has a relatively good record against Ablett, it’s hard to ignore the Gold Coast skipper’s influence in QClashes.

Ablett, who is widely regarded as the game’s best player, has featured in each of the previous five QClashes, and averages 29 disposals – which some might consider only a modest return by his lofty standards.

He became the first, and only, player from a losing side to receive the Marcus Ashcroft Medal following his stunning 37-disposal performance in QClash 4.

However, the Lions have been able to curtail Ablett’s impact on the scoreboard, with the ‘little master’ managing just two goals from his five matches.

Harley Bennell (Gold Coast SUNS)
Bennell has arguably been the SUNS’ best performer against the Lions, considering he’s averaged 18 disposals and kicked a club-high eight goals in four QClashes.

His most recent effort was probably his finest, collecting 27 disposals and kicking three goals in a near best-on-ground display in QClash 4. In fact, had the SUNS pulled off the win, he may well have stolen the Marcus Ashcroft Medal honours from Jonathan Brown.

Ironically, the only QClash Bennell has missed was the inaugural one back in Round 7 of 2011 – which remains the SUNS’ only success.

Bennell is in some doubt to take his place this Saturday having been sidelined with a hamstring strain since Round 8. However, Gold Coast will no doubt be eager for him to make his long-awaited return for such an important occasion.

Simon Black (Brisbane Lions)
No one has a greater record in QClashes than the most decorated player in Brisbane Lions history, Simon Black.

The 2002 Brownlow Medallist has averaged 30.25 disposals in his four games against the SUNS, which is not only a QClash record, but is also Black’s best disposal average against any AFL club.

He is the only player to have polled Brownlow Medal votes in multiple QClashes. In fact, he’s polled in three of his four matches against Gold Coast for a total of six votes.

Black was also a worthy recipient of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal in QClash 2, when he helped lift the Lions to their first ever win over the SUNS with 31 disposals and nine clearances.

Jared Brennan (Gold Coast SUNS)
Since defecting to the Gold Coast at the end of 2010, Brennan seems to have saved his best performances for the Brisbane Lions.

He was exceptional in his first ever outing against his former side in QClash 1, racking up 30 disposals (21 contested) and winning 14 clearances in a display that earned him the inaugural Marcus Ashcroft Medal.

In QClash 5 earlier this season, Brennan was at his best again with 30 disposals and 10 clearances which almost helped the SUNS pull of a come-from-behind victory.

The regular QClash hero has also played the villain, with some critical misses in front of goal during the closing stages of a nail-biting QClash 4 proving costly in the end.

Brennan hasn’t played a senior game since Round 9, but the SUNS will strongly consider adding him to provide that 'x-factor' against the Lions.

Jonathan Brown (Brisbane Lions)
Brown had to wait until QClash 3 before he could get his hands on the SUNS, and has since proven to be the most dangerous spearhead in his three outings.

He bagged three goals, and in the process brought up his 500th AFL goal, during his first match against Gold Coast early in 2012, before being held relatively quiet in QClash 4 with just the one major.

But he was the main difference between the two sides when they last met at Metricon Stadium earlier this season with a match-winning five-goal haul, which earned him the Marcus Ashcroft Medal.

Brown has now kicked a QClash record nine goals at an average of three per game.   

Daniel Rich (Brisbane Lions)
Rich might have only featured in three of the five QClashes to date, but he’s had a considerable impact in each of them.

The booming left-footer has kicked a total of six goals – including two bags of three – and averaged 25 disposals. He has also pumped the ball inside 50m around eight times per game – the most of any player in QClash history.

Even though he is yet to receive a Marcus Ashcroft Medal, he would have been among the leading candidates in each of his three QClashes (1, 3 and 5).

Despite being the target of a hard tag in QClash 5 earlier this season, Rich was able to break free and have a considerable influence on the match with a team-high 27 touches.  

Tom Rockliff (Brisbane Lions)
Rockliff has been just as prolific as Ablett, Black and Rich when it comes to QClashes.

The 2011 Club Champion averages 29 disposals over five QClashes, and is one of five players to be awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal as best-on-ground.

He received the honour in QClash 3 on the back of an all-round performance which included an equal QClash record 37 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals.

But Rockliff isn’t just a one game wonder. He also collected a game-high 34 disposals in QClash 2, and turned out to be the hero of QClash 4 after kicking a match-sealing goal in the closing stages of the Lions’ narrow win.