Gold Coast co-captain Steven May says he is happy to play the villain in the AFL's Queensland derby to start the 2017 season.
The Suns' defender said there would be plenty of emotion in this year's round-one clash, with the rivalry growing into something new after the teams met last April.
"Maybe it was a little bit manufactured early on and you expect that with a new franchise joining this market," May said.
"Through various circumstances, the rivalry has lifted and I think that's great for the code."
May played a major role in aggravating the rivalry between the two sides in last year's Gabba clash when he clobbered Brisbane's Stefan Martin, knocking him out cold.
May received a five-match ban for the hit.
Adding further fuel to the flame, former Brisbane midfielder Pearce Hanley will shape up against his old club for his first game in a Suns guernsey.
In 2014, Irishman Hanley recorded one of his best AFL performances, amassing 44 touches against the Suns.
May says Pearce brings plenty of niggle and physicality to a highly skilled Gold Coast midfield.
The Lions have history on their side, winning seven of the 12 derbies.
However, after finishing 17th last year and Gold Coast winning four of their past five outings against the Lions, the Suns feel they have upper hand.
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