Brisbane defender Noah Answerth is bracing for his schoolyard scraps with Gold Coast's Ben Long to resume in a heated clash of Queensland's AFL rivals.
Answerth's second-placed Lions host the third-placed Suns on Sunday night with the premiership backman likely to come across Long.
The pair first played each other at school in Melbourne - Answerth at Caulfield Grammar and Long at Melbourne Grammar.
"I have watched him from afar, I played against him when I was at school as well," Answerth told reporters on Thursday.
"It's funny how careers can go up and down but they sort of work themselves out when you get the opportunity - he has taken it this year."
Long has booted 14 goals in six games this season, proving a potent foil for tall timber Ben King and the emerging Jed Walter.
"He's he's playing really good footy - and he always was going to play good footy, just getting that run at it and a bit of consistency," Answerth said.
"It will be a tough challenge going up against him ... he was tough back then and he's tough now."
Brisbane's premiership defence has started with a smooth 6-1 record, while the Suns appear a genuine threat of making the finals for the first time.
The rise of Gold Coast (5-1) under second-year coach Damien Hardwick adds further spice to the rivalry of the Queensland clubs ahead their latest encounter at the Gabba.
"You always go in thinking it's going to be one of the hardest games you play in the year, it's almost like a final," Answerth said.
"It's a tough contest. They're going to come out and play hard and so are we.
"This year will be no different, just because they're going better it doesn't change much.
"It's just going to be harder for us and a game that we want to win pretty badly."
