The rivalry between AFL premier Brisbane and losing grand finalist Collingwood moves back onto the field this Thursday when they play for top spot at the Gabba.

After three rounds in a tight season, Collingwood was the only side with three wins tonight and Brisbane was half a game behind in second after drawing with the Kangaroos on Saturday night.

Since the Lions beat the Magpies by eight points last September in a classic grand final, Collingwood has been one of the Victorian clubs leading a push to take salary cap concessions away from Brisbane and Sydney.

The off-field bickering will add more spice to Thursday's match at the Gabba, where the two sides will face significant handicaps.

Collingwood, like Brisbane, will have only five days' break after thumping Geelong at the MCG on Saturday by 47 points, 18.8 (116) to 10.9 (69).

But it is even worse for the 'Pies because they have to travel.

Also, Collingwood lost vice-captain Tarkyn Lockyer for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee - the third player in as many weeks to suffer that injury.

The Lions' problem will be recovering in time after Saturday's classic at Telstra Dome, the match of the season so far, which was a very physical contest.

Brisbane captain Michael Voss kicked a behind on the final siren to draw with the much-improved Kangaroos, 16.13 (109) apiece.

While the Magpies and Lions again lead the competition, no side has any margin for error.

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