Gold Coast’s performances in the opening two rounds of the new season have the Brisbane Lions bracing for what promises to be the toughest QClash match in the rivalry’s short history, says Lions swingman Sam Mayes. 

"They're a good side," he said.

"They run well, and because they're young, they're quick and come at you. They've got good pressure. We'll look to hit them pretty hard this weekend.

"I have been lucky enough to win both (times against them). You always like to win and that's the main thing."

After going through winless in their first two matches against reigning premier Hawthorn and perennial finalist Geelong, the GC SUNS can expect a hungrier Lions 22 to walk through the gates of Metricon Stadium this Saturday afternoon. 

"It's obviously an important game for us now that we've lost the first two games of the season," Mayes said.

"It's an important one to win so we'll be going out all guns blazing this weekend."

It will be a match of firsts for both teams this weekend.

Guy McKenna’s rookie counterpart, Justin Leppitsch, will feature in his first Queensland derby as the new Lions mentor, while three of the GC SUNS' young guns in Kade Kolodjashnij, Sean Lemmens and Clay Cameron could make their QClash debut if selected. 

Leppitsch has also had no fear playing his younger cast members, with James Aish, Lewis Taylor and Michael Close all getting game-time in the first two rounds.  

19-year-old Mayes, a pillar of the Lions’ long-term success plan, believes the boys at the northern end of the M1 have what it takes to match the GC SUNS' youthful and talented playing group when they meet for the first time this year. 

"We've got a young side as well," Mayes said at his club's recovery session at South Bank.

"We've got a good core group of players around that 22-, 23-year-old mark. They've (GC SUNS) obviously got some good midfield depth and it's going to be an exciting game and we look forward to it."