Why the Brisbane Lions didn't "come to play" in arguably their biggest game of the AFL season remains a mystery to coach Michael Voss.

But he was certain his side was on the right track despite his future being questioned after an eight-point loss in Queensland's first AFL derby - their sixth straight defeat.

The stage was set for fireworks after both the Lions and Gold Coast Suns lobbed verbal grenades ahead of Saturday night's Gabba showdown.

But to Voss' horror, the Lions were caught out early by a spirited Suns and never recovered in front of 25,501.

Adding salt to Voss' gaping wounds, the Gold Coast's inspiration was ex-Lion Jared Brennan - branded a "mercenary" by former teammate Simon Black.

The Lions (0-6 record) remained the only winless AFL team due to their worst start since their 1998 wooden spoon year.

"I don't know why they did not come to play...I honestly don't - I think I just asked that question in there (dressing room)," Voss said.

"We did the talking but we didn't do the walking."

Voss knew it was coming, but he dug his heels in when asked if he was under pressure to keep his job.

"They are absolutely gutted but now is not the time to second guess the direction we are going - it is about reaffirming it," he said.

"The direction has been set and we are going to stay on it."

Voss was adamant the Lions were making "genuine progress" despite losing to a team that was tipped not to win a game in 2011 and had conceded a record 94 first term points last round.

"Of course there's pressure to get the wins but as far as pressure on the direction we have set, not at all," he said.

"I think as a club there has been some genuine progress.

"It might not look like that on a scoreboard point of view but certainly as a football club I couldn't be happier the way we are progressing.

"The big change process for us is going to happen over a period of time - and I have seen a club fairly committed to that."

Asked who was to blame for their horror run, Voss said: "We are all in it together, that's the way we are treating it - I back my players 100 per cent."

Inspirational skipper Jonathan Brown is not due back from horrific head injuries for another two weeks but Voss believed his unavailability could be a good thing.

"I think he might have the doctor in a headlock trying to play next week," Voss said of Brown.

"We know it (Brown out) is a factor, you need your great players out there.

"But it has been good in one essence that we have not had him there because they have had to grow by themselves rather than lean on Jonathan Brown."

One shining light for Voss was Ash McGrath's six goals.

He switched with Daniel Merrett in the second half after the regular defender's full forward experiment bombed.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP