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Brisbane assistant coach Daniel Merrett believes the Queensland rivalry in AFLW eclipses that of their male counterparts after Gold Coast and the Lions played out a 28-draw on Saturday. The Suns overcame a 15-point halftime deficit and held the Lions goalless in the second half at Metricon Stadium as the inaugural AFLW QClash finished 4.4 (28) to 4.4 (28). Merrett, who played in 10 Queensland derbies during his own playing career, stood in on Saturday after Lions head coach Craig Starcevich missed the match after being hospitalised on Friday due to illness. And the ex-Lion wasn't surprised to see the women's match so hard-fought. "I reckon it's got more rivalry than the boys for sure," he said. "Just because the girls know each other, how footy is in Queensland, you know each other so well and half their team played for us last year. "Definitely from a rivalry stakes the girls win for sure." Brisbane came into the match on the back of two wins from their opening two matches and kicked the first three goals including an opening quarter double for Leanne Rugg on her 30th birthday. Kalinda Howarth kicked two goals in two minutes in the second term and her ice-cool finish from the pocket in the final term secured a third of the match and levelled the scores. Gold Coast had their chances to win the match, dominating territory in the dying minutes. Before Haworth's leveller, Paige Parker's effort was smothered brilliantly on the top of the goal square by Lily Postlethwaite and Jacqui Yorston's follow-up hit the post. Despite their pressure though, the Suns couldn't find the score they needed for a second-straight win. Suns coach David Lake said a halftime speech by Jamie Stanton to her teammates had played a key role in their improved second-half display. "Jamie Stanton made an impassioned plea to everybody to come to the level and realise that we're in the uncomfortable here, and we need to develop something from there," Lake said. "The best part from me was the response she was able to get from the group, it was terrific." Brisbane's Kate Ludkins was awarded the medal for best on ground after picking up 22 disposals while Alexandra Anderson and Emily Bates both had over 20 disposals as well. The Lions host GWS next weekend while Gold Coast take on North Melbourne at Arden Street. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14
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