57-618: The Marcus Ashcroft Medal is awarded to the player judged best on ground in the QClash football match played between Brisbane and Gold Coast . It is named after former footballer Marcus Ashcroft , who played junior football on the Gold Coast for Surfers Paradise and Southport as well as 318 games for the Brisbane Bears / Lions between 1989 and 2003. He was both an integral member of Brisbane's triple premiership team and
114-461: A 17-point lead at three quarter time. The Suns were able to continue their fantastic form in the fourth quarter by kicking a further five goals to Brisbane's one and this allowed Gold Coast to secure a streak breaking 41-point victory over the highly fancied Lions. Suns key forward Ben King was one of Gold Coast's best players with a five-goal haul, Touk Miller was awarded a record breaking fourth Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his shutdown role on one of
171-608: A Premiership Medal and play 300 games. In 2013, Black equalled Marcus Ashcroft 's record for the most games played for the Brisbane Bears/Lions playing his 318th game. His final game was the round 21 match against Greater Western Sydney at the Gabba after which he was suspended for one match for striking Giants captain Callan Ward in the final quarter. On 18 October 2013, Black announced his retirement from
228-504: A bit of a backwards step when blokes go hard in at the footy." Robertson added "I hope they hear that too" as the radio interview concluded. Hours later Brisbane coach Chris Fagan publicly expressed disappointment over Robertson's comments. When asked about his thoughts on Robertson's comments the next day, Gold Coast midfielder Jack Bowes was diplomatic and said "we respect all opposition." The fiery clash began with Brisbane kicking three unanswered goals before Gold Coast managed to score
285-670: A coach at the Brisbane Lions to focus on growing the Academy program. In August 2019, Black joined 10 News First Queensland as an AFL analyst. In 2019, Black competed in the fourth season of Australian Survivor . He was eliminated on Day 42 and finished in 7th place. In June 2019, it was announced that Black had been voted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame for the class of 2018, but due to his commitments to filming Australian Survivor he
342-516: A confirmed starter. It was also revealed that Gold Coast stalwart David Swallow would break the all-time games record for the Suns by competing in QClash 23. Both teams entered the clash in precarious ladder positions with Brisbane clinging on to a top four position on the ladder and Gold Coast within striking distance of entering the top eight. QClash 23 took place at Gabba Ground on 23 July 2022 and
399-627: A four-point lead. Despite the margin remaining at four points for the last two and a half minutes, the Lions would hold the lead and walk away victorious 10.18 (78) to 11.8 (74) in QClash 16. Dayne Beams was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his magnificent 38-disposal performance. Gold Coast midfielder Touk Miller was given the task of tagging Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko for the entire game and camera footage consistently showed
456-614: A game for the season leading into the game, they were considered strong favourites to defeat their Gold Coast neighbours. The Suns had recorded their first ever AFL win two weeks prior to the clash while Brisbane was winless leading into the first ever Queensland derby. In the lead up to the match, triple premiership Lion Simon Black expressed resentment towards the Suns by stating "the AFL have given them everything, and then some" as well as labelling former Brisbane players Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli "mercenaries" because they had joined
513-433: A goal just before quarter time. Following the quarter time siren, tempers flared as a mini-melee broke out between the two teams. The tension rose to another level midway through the second quarter when Sean Lemmens collected Brandon Starcevich with a high shot. Mitch Robinson and Lemmens collided in the immediate aftermath, while Dayne Zorko was floored metres away after being pushed into by Alex Sexton . The Lions took
570-407: A lack of sportsmanship in the days that followed. Four fines were handed to players from either side after the match; Brisbane's Luke Hodge and Mitch Robinson as well as Gold Coast's Brayden Fiorini and Sean Lemmens received fines. A month after the clash, Touk Miller stated "we don't like each other" when asked about Zorko and the rivalry between the two clubs. Leading into the 23rd edition of
627-473: A must-win clash without Miller in the next round that would effectively end their 2023 season. The Marcus Ashcroft Medal is awarded to the player adjudged best on field during the QClash. It is named after triple Brisbane Lions AFL premiership player Marcus Ashcroft , who played junior football in Gold Coast for Surfers Paradise and Southport . Ashcroft also held administrative roles at both
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#1732801800190684-406: A one-goal lead. McGrath's sixth goal just seconds later again equaled the scores once again. Gold Coast were awarded a controversial free kick for a high tackle a minute later which allowed small forward Brandon Matera to play on and kick the Suns to a seven-point lead that they wouldn't relinquish. The Suns claim the inaugural QClash 18.16 (124) to 17.14 (116). Former Lion and new Sun Jared Brennan
741-609: A player on the losing team. QClash The QClash is the name given to the Australian rules football rivalry match between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns , who both participate in the Australian Football League (AFL). The first men's QClash was held in 2011 , with Gold Coast winning by 8 points at home (although the game was played at the Lions' Gabba Ground ). The game achieved
798-503: A reputation for winning the ball in contested situations. He collected 20 possessions and kicked two goals against Geelong in Round 9 which earned him an AFL Rising Star Nomination; he ultimately finished third in the award behind Sydney’s Adam Goodes and Adelaide’s Brett Burton. He played 22 matches for the season and averaged close to 19 disposals and won the Lions' Rookie of the Year award for
855-454: A slender one-goal lead into halftime as Gold Coast had fought back with five goals in the second quarter. The Suns quickly captured ascendency early in the third quarter and held the lead until a contentious free kick was awarded to Harris Andrews , which resulted in a goal after the three-quarter time siren and subsequently handed the lead back to Brisbane. Upon viewing the replay, commentator Alastair Lynch stated "I actually don't think that
912-410: A top four side and Touk Miller was awarded a record-equalling third Marcus Ashcroft Medal as best afield. A month later, Touk Miller revealed in an interview that he had a "genuine dislike" for the Lions as well as Dayne Zorko and that it hurt him deeply to lose eight consecutive games to Brisbane. QClash 25 took place on 29 July 2023 at Carrara Stadium . The high flying third placed Lions entered
969-413: A vice-captain of the Lions, and he won All-Australian selection for the third time in his career. At the end of the season, Black had played a sequence of 107 consecutive matches for Brisbane, before a suspension in the violent 2004 AFL Grand Final ended the sequence. Black's 2005 season was interrupted by injury, but in 2006 he played every match, and won the third Merrett–Murray Medal of his career. At
1026-408: A wooden base and a plaque. The plaque's inscription reads from left to right, "Brisbane Lions AFC, QCLASH, Gold Coast Suns FC". The first edition of the QClash took place on 7 May 2011 at Gabba Ground . The Suns were required to host the inaugural meeting between the two teams at the Gabba as their home ground, Carrara Stadium , was unavailable until later that year. Despite the Lions not having won
1083-415: Is a holding free kick." Two quick goals allowed the Suns to build a nine-point lead early in the fourth quarter but a controversial 50 metre penalty for impeding the protected zone in the middle of the ground appeared to diminish Gold Coast's momentum and resulted in a Brisbane goal from Allen Christensen . Four minutes later Dayne Beams kicked a crucial goal midway through the fourth quarter to give Brisbane
1140-526: The Brisbane Bears / Lions between 1989 and 2003. He was the first Queenslander to play 300 VFL/AFL games and later served as a coach and administrator for the Gold Coast Suns . Current Gold Coast captain Touk Miller has won the medal a record four times. The trophy awarded to the winner of the game is currently known as the "QClash Trophy". The trophy is a traditional-looking silver cup with
1197-577: The Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL). Black was a midfielder with a reputation for hard work and skill. He had the ability to get under the pack to retrieve the ball as well as deliver it with precision to teammates. He was drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 1997 from the East Fremantle Football Club, and he debuted in the first game of the 1998 season and quickly became one of Brisbane's best players. He became Brisbane’s third Brownlow Medallist by winning
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#17328018001901254-600: The AFL. Shortly after announcing his retirement from the AFL, Black signed on as an assistant coach at the Lions for two years. His main focus is coaching the team's forward line and attacking systems. In 2016, Black founded the Simon Black Australian Rules Academy, a full time sport and educational program which provides pathways for students to pursue University and Fitness qualifications while training and playing AFL in an elite academy environment. He subsequently resigned from his role as
1311-561: The Brisbane Lions with the 31st selection in the 1997 National Draft . Black was impressive during the 1998 pre-season and earned his senior debut in Round 1 against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba . He played nine senior matches and averaged over 12 disposals during his debut season and took out the Club’s Best First Year Player award. In 1999, he consolidated himself as an automatic senior selection and built
1368-496: The Lions and the Suns post-playing career. Below is a list of players who spent time at both the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns , and played in at least one QClash, in order of appearance for their second of the two clubs. It is updated through to the end of QClash 24. Rohan Bewick (on Brisbane's list from 2011 to 2018 for 103 games) and Dayne Zorko (on Brisbane's list from 2012 to present for 230 games) were also traded from Gold Coast to Brisbane, but were only prelisted at
1425-457: The Lions gained the lead in the third quarter and eventually ran out 13-point winners at full time. The Marcus Ashcroft Medal was awarded to Irishman Pearce Hanley for his sublime 28-disposal, 2-goal performance. In the week following the match, May was referred straight to the tribunal where he later received a five-match suspension. QClash 15 took place on 22 April 2018 at Gabba Ground . Both Queensland clubs had suffered embarrassing losses
1482-462: The QClash, Gold Coast had lost seven consecutive matches to Brisbane by an average margin of 52 points and were publicly implored by media onlookers to make a stand in this particular clash. Intrigue began to grow in the days leading up to the match as it was confirmed that Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko would return from injury for the match and an in-form Gold Coast skipper Touk Miller was also
1539-462: The Suns and were never on their official list. When asked how he felt about the situation, Zorko admitted he was "extremely disappointed" and that the outcome "cut deeply" when his hometown club chose to trade him. Joel Tippett was on Brisbane's list from 2007 to 2009, however he didn't play a game before playing two matches for Gold Coast in 2011. Tippett never featured in a QClash. for second club (Years Listed) (Years Listed) Up to date at
1596-415: The Suns in the off season. Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna returned serve by stating that the Suns were brought into the competition to clean up the mess left by the Brisbane Bears , which Lions coach and former Bears player Michael Voss said he took personally and stated that McKenna's comments were "out of line". Two days before the game it was revealed that 10 Queenslanders had been chosen to compete in
1653-596: The beginning of 2007, Black was named as one of the four Lions co-captains, replacing the retiring captain Michael Voss. In 2007 and 2008, Black continued to be Brisbane's premier midfielder, and he finished second in the Brownlow Medal in both seasons. He earned Brisbane Lions Life Membership at the end of his tenth season of service. He was also the Courier Mail Player of the Year in 2008, and
1710-856: The best midfield combinations in the history of the game. Black is currently serving as the Contest Skills and Midfield Coach at the Brisbane Lions . Born in Mount Isa , Queensland , to Western Australian mother and father Ray a dairy farmer of Kaitaia in New Zealand. He relocated to Western Australia with his family at a very young age, where he attended school at Corpus Christi College in Bateman and Aquinas College, Perth . Nurtured by his father, Black initially played rugby union with dreams of being an All Black thanks to his New Zealand heritage but later took up Australian rules. He
1767-400: The clash. The Suns got off to a hot start in the first quarter and led the clash by 19 points at first exchange of ends. Gold Coast held that lead through the first three quarters and the tension rose early in the third term when Gold Coast's David Swallow unintentionally knocked Brisbane's Andrew Raines unconscious, who was taken off with concussion. Trailing by 19 points at the beginning of
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1824-504: The completion of QClash 26 The first AFLW QClash was played on 22 February 2020 at Carrara Stadium and resulted in a draw. Correct as of end of season 7. Below is a list of players who spent time at both the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns , in order of appearance for their second of the two clubs. for second club Simon Black Simon Black (born 3 April 1979) is a former Australian rules football player and current assistant coach, who played his whole career with
1881-636: The contested ball. He earned All-Australian selection and won the Merrett–Murray Medal for the second consecutive season. He was strong again in 2003, and won the Norm Smith Medal as best on ground in the Grand Final with a career-best 39 possessions, the most ever recorded by any player in a Grand Final – it remained the sole highest until it was eventually equalled by Christian Petracca 's performance in 2021 . In 2004, Black became
1938-513: The first Queenslander to play 300 AFL games. He is also a member of Queensland's AFL Team of the Century. Current Gold Coast captain Touk Miller has won the medal a record four times, whilst former Brisbane Lions' captain Dayne Beams has won the medal three times and Jarryd Lyons , Gary Ablett Jr and Lachie Neale have won the medal twice. Italics indicate that the award was won by
1995-523: The first half as the Suns led by 2 points at the end of the first term and 8 points at half time. The biggest talking point of the night took place a minute before half time when Gold Coast defender Steven May elected to bump Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin under his chin. Martin was knocked unconscious and was motionless for several minutes after the incident. May was a repeat offender as he had bumped Lion Tom Rockliff unconscious in QClash 9. Seemingly spurred on by what had occurred just prior to half time,
2052-406: The fourth quarter, the Lions mounted a comeback off the back of six second half goals from Ashley McGrath , who was swung forward at half time. A Todd Banfield goal at the 15-minute mark in the fourth term equaled the scores late in the game but a spectacular pack mark taken by Gold Coast forward Nathan Krakouer a minute later stemmed the tide as he kicked truly for his fifth goal to give the Suns
2109-426: The game was hotly contested from the beginning as Brisbane led by just eight points at quarter time. The Suns stunned the vocal Brisbane home crowd in the second quarter by kicking five goals to the Lions' two majors as Gold Coast would enter the halftime break with a six point lead. The match would turn into a seesawing affair in the third quarter with six lead changes but the Suns would lead the clash by seven points at
2166-414: The goals of the year with a three effort run of play that involved a gather, a handball, a recovery, a tackle break, a fend off and ultimately a spinning snap goal. By the halfway point of the fourth quarter, Gold Coast's lead had been reduced to just four points. Despite Brisbane's relentless pressure in the last eight minutes of the game, the Suns were able to hold on for a five-point victory. Touk Miller
2223-507: The groin region and expressed his disappointment in the AFL's decision to not charge Miller for the incident. Despite Zorko's claims that they "had really good evidence to support the case," no report of a sustained injury was communicated to the AFL for their official injury report and the Lions ultimately decided not to pursue the case in the days that followed. Interim Gold Coast coach Steven King said he found Zorko's accusation towards Miller "disrespectful" before adamantly claiming he knows
2280-455: The integrity of Miller and that any contact was "completely accidental". However, in a surprising twist, the AFL backflipped on their decision by announcing on the Thursday night that followed the game that Miller had been handed a one-match suspension for "conduct unbecoming" and the Suns would publicly state that they were "extremely disappointed" by the decision, while also going on to lose
2337-414: The last break with their performance being highlighted by key forwards Levi Casboult and Queenslander Mabior Chol who had combined for six goals at three quarter time. A noticeably tired Gold Coast outfit began to wilt at the midway point of the fourth quarter and conceded five consecutive goals to lose the clash by 17 points. Despite the loss, Gold Coast were highly commended for their performance against
Marcus Ashcroft Medal - Misplaced Pages Continue
2394-406: The league's Brownlow Medal favourites Lachie Neale and Gold Coast defender Mac Andrew was awarded the Round 19 Rising Star nomination for his sublime performance. The biggest talking point from the game was a tackle performed by Touk Miller on Dayne Zorko in the third quarter that Zorko alleged was illegal. At the completion of the tackle, Zorko immediately remonstrated and was heard telling
2451-553: The match as the hot favourites to continue their nine-game winning streak against a struggling Suns outfit sitting 14th on the ladder and fighting to keep their season alive. The clash also served as the scene for Gold Coast vice captain Sam Collins ' milestone 100th AFL game. A hotly contested first quarter played out with both teams kicking multiple goals before Dayne Zorko drew a free kick for high contact inside his forward 50 just seconds before quarter time and kicked truly after
2508-548: The much-coveted award in 2002 by a four-vote margin. He also won the 2003 Norm Smith Medal and the 2001, 2002, and 2006 Merrett–Murray Medals awarded to the best and fairest player with the Brisbane Lions and three premiership medallions he received as a part of the Lions' hat-trick of premierships in 2001 , 2002 and 2003 . Black, along with Michael Voss ( 1996 Brownlow Medallist), Jason Akermanis ( 2001 Brownlow Medallist) and Nigel Lappin were collectively known as 'The Fab Four' and are widely considered to be one of
2565-500: The record for the highest pay TV viewing audience ever for an AFL game, with a total of 354,745 viewers tuning in to watch the game on Foxtel channel Fox Footy . The QClash was promoted by the league, the clubs and the football media as a name for the game, in similar terms to the other local derbies that exist in the AFL, such as the Western Derby and Showdown . "We wanted a name that embodied Queensland, one that
2622-465: The second consecutive season. In 2000, he averaged 23.9 disposals per game, led the competition in centre clearances on a per game basis and finished second behind Geelong’s Garry Hocking in hard-ball gets. Black became one of the league's elite midfielders from 2001. Over the following four years, Black and the Lions contested four Grand Finals, winning the premiership in 2001 , 2002 and 2003 , and finishing runner-up in 2004 . During that time, Black
2679-431: The siren to give the Lions a seven-point lead at the end of the first term. The second quarter was also an evenly contested term with the Suns able to gain a three-point ascendency at halftime. Gold Coast's players unexpectedly formed a huddle on field just prior to the beginning of the third quarter and began the third term well by playing inspired football which included kicking five of the first six goals to give themselves
2736-787: The starting ruck-rover in the All-Australian team, finished 5th in the AFLPA's Most Valuable Player award, and won the Herald Sun Player of the Year award. He represented Australia for the first and only time of his career in the 2001 International Rules Series against Ireland. In 2002, Black won the Brownlow Medal , polling 25 votes to beat second-placed Josh Francou by four votes, and comparisons were made between him and dual Brownlow Medallist Greg Williams because of his outstanding peripheral vision and ability to get
2793-412: The two engaging in scuffles with one another throughout the match. In the moments following the final siren, Zorko went directly to Miller and yelled expletives to his face before smiling and extending his hand to shake Miller's. The pair shook hands before Zorko continued to follow Miller around the field with his hand extended. As was the case after QClash 15, the media criticised Zorko for demonstrating
2850-412: The umpire that Miller "just fucking grabbed my nuts!" ( Squirrel grip ) The incident was reviewed and not cited as illegal by Match Review Officer Michael Christian following the game and the accusation of an illegal action involving Zorko's groin was generally viewed by the media as a difficult one to prove. Two days later in a radio interview, Zorko claimed he was suffering from significant bruising in
2907-423: The week prior to the 15th local derby and were keen to prove a point in the round 5 clash. The Suns went about building a healthy lead in the first half and led the contest by 14 points at the major break. Gold Coast then led the clash by as many as 27 points in the third quarter before Brisbane began fighting back. In the midst of a goalscoring frenzy from Brisbane, North Queenslander Charlie Cameron produced one of
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#17328018001902964-491: Was a standout junior 800m and 1500m runner as a junior. At age 15 he suffered a back injury that required him to not play football for 18 months. He joined East Fremantle Football Club and represented Western Australia in the 1997 edition of the AFL Under-18 Championships , where he earned All-Australian honours. He was a member of East Fremantle's losing 1997 WAFL Grand Final team. Black was drafted by
3021-542: Was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his shutdown role on Brisbane vice captain Dayne Zorko . However, post-game footage captured Zorko telling his opponent to "fuck off" when approached for a handshake. Zorko was subsequently criticised by the media for the incident in the days that followed. QClash 16 was held at Carrara Stadium on 18 August 2018. In the week leading up to the game, Brisbane defender Nick Robertson spoke on Macquarie Sports Radio where he labelled Gold Coast players "soft" and that he thought they "take
3078-409: Was awarded the inaugural Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his best on ground performance that included 30 disposals and 14 clearances. QClash 11 took place on 16 April 2016 at Gabba Ground . The Suns had compiled an undefeated 3-0 record leading into the game and were sitting equal top of the ladder while the Lions were winless sitting on the bottom of the ladder. The two teams traded goals for much of
3135-406: Was part of a Brisbane midfield combination which is considered to be one of the best in the league's history: Black, Michael Voss , Jason Akermanis and Nigel Lappin , who became known collectively as the "Fab Four". In 2001, Black played every match for the season, led the AFL in tackles and averaged a team-high 24.6 possessions. He was joint Club Champion with Captain Michael Voss, was named as
3192-402: Was runner-up in the 2008 Merrett–Murray medal. In 2009, new coach Michael Voss named Jonathan Brown as the sole captain of the club, and Black remained in the leadership group. He had another consistent season in 2010, finishing second in the Merrett–Murray Medal. In 2012, Black played his 300th AFL game, becoming the first player in league history to win a Brownlow Medal, a Norm Smith Medal,
3249-623: Was unique and simple. We also wanted to reflect the big scale of the matches. Speaking to the coaches and players, there is no doubt that both teams want to win whenever we come together, and the QClash will be a real battle for state pride." — Former Brisbane Lions CEO Malcolm Holmes. The medal for the player adjudged best on ground in the QClash is awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal . It is named after former footballer Marcus Ashcroft , who played junior football in Gold Coast for Surfers Paradise / Southport and 318 VFL/AFL games for
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