Win, not revenge, on Lions' minds - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Win, not revenge, on Lions' minds

Laine Clark 10/08/2011 03:19:25 PM Comments (0)

Something much more important than revenge will be on the Brisbane Lions' minds against AFL arch rivals Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba on Saturday night.

An honest Matthew Leuenberger said on Wednesday the lowly Lions simply wanted to win again this season - and the Suns represented their "best chance".

Leuenberger admitted their shock loss to the AFL rookies in May "stung" but said the Lions had higher priorities than payback with four games left this season.

After taking on the second-last Suns, the Lions (3-15 record) finally end their horror 2011 with clashes against defending premiers Collingwood and the finals-bound West Coast and Sydney.

"Statistically the other teams we are playing are around the top four so it's probably going to be our best chance (of winning again)," Leuenberger said.

"We haven't had many wins this year - we need a win.

"I guess it would be sweet to win this one after what happened at the start of the year but we are not looking for revenge or anything like that.

"It doesn't matter who we are playing - our focus is to get that win."

Both sides have largely played down the significance of only the second Queensland derby, in complete contrast to the opener.

Back then, Lions veteran Simon Black called ex-teammates Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli "mercenaries" for heading to the Suns.

And Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna returned serve by claiming his side were cleaning up the "mess" left by Carrara's first tenants the Brisbane Bears, who current Lions coach Michael Voss played for.

With Suns superstar Gary Ablett (hamstring) in doubt and inspirational Lions captain Jonathan Brown missing in action, the second Q-Clash needs all the hype it can get.

However, so far the lead-up to the derby has resembled a love-in with both sides keen to keep their head down ahead of the Gabba showdown.

Sitting side-by-side in Tuesday's derby press conference, former West Coast Eagle McKenna and Voss were on their best behaviour.

Asked if they had kissed and made up before the second derby, McKenna said: "I offered but I didn't brush my teeth this morning so I don't want to give him a smooch.

"But it is the battle for Queensland. It's going to grow in time and no different to what I experienced with the West Coast and Fremantle - it is what it is."

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