As big game AFL players, Brisbane's Michael Voss and Port Adelaide's Matthew Primus were regularly locked in head-to-head battles for major stakes.

As coaches of their respective sides on Sunday at the Gabba, they will again face-off in a meaningful clash but it has nothing to do with silverware or the minor premiership.

Both Primus and Voss will be attempting to condemn the other to finishing last and the inglorious wooden spoon mantle.

It's a complete reversal of fortunes for the leaders, as less than a decade ago playing finals was a given.

"It's hard not to look at it that way (about avoiding the wooden spoon)," Voss said.

"It's a big game for us.

"At the same time we have spent a lot of energy on the `team scoreboard' things and we have to achieve them first.

"There's a few little things we have to do and bring our `A' game with our defensive pressure."

The Lions, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast have two wins each and are sitting 15th, 16th and 17th respectively, separated only by percentage.

Brisbane's playing stocks were further hit when Daniel Rich injured his foot and while Daniel Merrett (back) was expected to return, Voss has basically ruled out the fullback for the remainder of the season.

"He's more unlikely to play and our thought is he won't play for the rest of the season but that is not categoric," Voss said.

"We are being told to take it easy with it.

"A stress related injury in the back is not something you can rush."

Voss said the club's $21,630 fine on Friday for breaching the salary cap in 2010 was of no real concern and was merely an "administrative error".

It's the second "administrative" salary cap error for the Lions although on the previous occasion it was a lot more costly.

The Lions were fined $260,000 for 26 breaches of the cap ($10,000 for each breach) in 2004 although they did not exceed the salary cap.

The 2004 breaches related to late lodgement of documentation concerning player payments and additional services agreements.

"It was an administrative error and (the 2010 breaches were) nothing too significant," said Voss, who was one of the game's highest paid players when the Lions previously breached cap rules.

"The club notified us as soon as that had happened. It's completely transparent.

"We move on. The club's integrity remains intact."

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