Pearce Hanley has excelled in his first hitout in the red and gold, with the SUNS kicking off to a strong 0.11.16 (82) to 1.7.6 (57) win at Broadbeach Sports Club.
The former Lion fit in nicely across half-back and the midfield for the SUNS, tallying 19 disposals.
He'll have bragging rights over former housemate Claye Beams after baulking the Lions defender in the third term and finishing with a classy goal from 25m.
David Swallow also returned strongly after 18 months on the sidelines with persistent knee problems, playing three quarters before sitting out the last.
The former No.1 draft pick played on a wing and half-back and finished with 15 disposals, showing his usual fearless play.
Aaron Hall was a midfield spark (33 disposals), while Touk Miller (24) played his usual solid game.
During the first quarter Sam Day suffered a hip injury which saw him stretchered off the field and taken to hospital for scans shortly after.
The key-position player was contesting a ball with former Collingwood defender Jack Frost late in the first term when his right foot stuck in the turf.
He immediately crumpled to the ground in agony, clutching high up on his leg.
GOLD COAST 0.3.4 0.5.8 0.9.10 0.11.15 (81)
BRISBANE LIONS 0.3.1 1.4.3 1.5.6 1.7.6 (57)
SUPERGOALS
Gold Coast: Nil
Brisbane Lions: Freeman
GOALS
Gold Coast: Grant 3, Ainsworth, Joyce, Lynch, Schoenfeld, Hanley, Barlow, Kolodjashnij, Miller
Brisbane Lions: Lester 2, Martin 2, Schache, Robinson, Robertson
BEST
Gold Coast: Hall, Hanley, Miller, Thompson, Barlow
Brisbane Lions: Bewick, Zorko, Lester, Gardiner, Taylor
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Day (hip)
Brisbane Lions: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: TBC
Official crowd: 2174 at Kombumerri Park (Mermaid Waters)
