But among the spice and drama, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan won't let it descend into an annual slanging match.

The Lions snuck home by four points over the Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night in another derby highlighted by the one-on-one contest between two players capturing attention despite the sides' lowly position on the ladder.

The pair hardly left each other's side all night and were verbally engaging while shaking hands on the final siren.

"It was a good battle and probably ask both players they probably enjoy it, it brings the best out in each other and probably an even battle all night," Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew said.

"It's good to watch, a game within a game ... there's little match-ups around the place."

Fagan agreed but was still hung up on defender Nick Robertson's off-the-script comments earlier in the week calling the Suns soft.

"I'm pleased for the boys we won, just disappointed with the last few days," he said.

"It sort of takes a bit of the gloss off it.

"I love the spice in the hard contest but it's not going to become one of those clashes where Lions trash talk the Gold Coast Suns."

The Lions' 10.18 (78) to 11.8 (74) victory was one back on their Queensland rivals after a five-point Suns win earlier this season, moving them one win ahead of their neighbours in the process.

Brisbane's Dayne Beams collected his third Marcus Ashcroft Medal from four games for best on ground in the QClash, receiving a huge wrap from Dew in the process.

"(Suns youngster Brayden) Fiorini and Jack Bowes matching up on Beams (was a good experience for them)," he said.

"He's an A-grader isn't he, surely All Australian."

Australian Associated Press