Gold Coast Suns ruckman Zac Smith says Q-Clash can be as big as NRL State-of-Origin
From: News Limited Network
April 11, 2013 11:21AM
"THIS match has the potential to be like Origin.''
With those words Suns ruckman Zac Smith declared a no-holds-barred war in Saturday night's Q-Clash against the Lions at Metricon Stadium.
Brisbane spearhead Jonathan Brown, who has carved a career from shock-inducing collisions, has already endorsed the two contests with the Gold Coast as his club's biggest challenge for the year.
"The fact it's a derby does put a bit more emphasis on this game,'' Smith said.
"I doubt it would be as big as the derby over in the west (between West Coast and Fremantle) but it's getting there.
"I love watching those games because you can see the teams leave nothing in the tank.''
The 205cm Queenslander knows the meaning of footy war, having been fed a diet of Origin intensity while growing up in Rockhampton.
AFL in the Sunshine State got the best leg-up possible when the fledgling Gold Coast pulled off a maiden derby heist two years ago.
Smith starred at the Gabba that night and while Brisbane has restored the natural balance in the three clashes since, the pride oozing from the battlers that night can't be erased.
"I think (rugby league's) Origin is amazing and hopefully one day it will get to that level because the hatred (between the clubs) is growing and we are still considered the little brother,'' he says.
"That first Q Clash was one of the most watched games (of AFL) in Queensland and it was a great match and a great night for the club.''
Adding to the drama is the fact the Suns claimed the big scalp of St Kilda in Round 1, while the Lions have a doughnut in the wins column.
"We know they are going to be very hungry,'' Smith says of Michael Voss' side.
"But I've been here (at the Suns) since day one and I see how far we have developed in that time. We had that great win against the Saints and then pushed (premier) Sydney last week.
"Our aim for the year is to keep winning because it's the best feeling in footy. So it's going to be a good test for both teams.''
http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/AFL/go ... 6618221318
It is just idiotic to make those statements. Their biggest game of the year, where the flag is unveiled, is on par with just game one of SOO let alone the whole series. F#cking ********, they're a breed unto themselves!