Little brother is growing up.

Gold Coast can now be considered the AFL’s top dogs in Queensland after thrashing rivals Brisbane by 53 points at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

Led once more by superstar captain Gary Ablett the Suns were simply too strong for a young Lions team, claiming a dominant 17.12 (114) to 9.7 (61).

It’s the Suns first win over their intra-state rivals since a shock victory in the inaugural derby clash against the Lions in 2011.

Ablett booted three goals and had a game-high 38 disposals but this was far from a one-man show.

Sam Day’s four goals, including three in the second-quarter, showed he’s developing into a dangerous tall forward option with a deadly accurate kick.

David Swallow also chipped in with two majors in a seven-goal third-quarter blitz by the home team which killed off the Lions’ hopes.

Defender Steven May epitomised the Suns’ physical approach, bullying several of the Lions and keeping Brisbane veteran Jonathan Brown goalless and with just four disposals for the match.

Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch, still seeking his first win as an AFL head coach, had his troubles compounded with Daniel Rich suffering a potentially serious knee injury.

The 23-year-old midfielder will undergo scans on Monday with fears he’s damaged an anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee following a collision with Suns’ youngster Sean Lemmens.

Veteran defender Dan Merrett could also find himself sidelined after a high hit with his elbow on Swallow in the final term.

In the positive column for the Lions, vice-captain Tom Rockliff provided a third-quarter spark with two goals as the visitors threatened to come to life on his way to three majors for the match while youngster Marco Paparone kicked a couple of good goals.

But the positives are minor with the Lions sitting 0-3 and facing a tough trip to Adelaide to take on in-form Port Adelaide next weekend.

AAP