BRISBANE will head into Sunday’s clash with West Coast with the dual purposes of shaking up the top four and creating a launching pad for season 2019 in which they intend to put a scare through the competition.

West Coast can lock away second spot with a win at the Gabba but despite residing at opposite ends of the ladder to the Lions the Eagles are far from unbackable favourites.

Second year midfielder Hugh McCluggage said Brisbane had plenty to play for.

The Lions put in a poor showing against the Kangaroos in Round 23 last year and are keen to make amends for that, but equally as motivating is the chance to leave a mark on September that rival clubs will remember into next season.

“We do, it is a huge opportunity to play a team that has everything to play for because they have the top two spot on the line,’’ he said.

“It is a chance for us to make our mark on the top four and hopefully shake it up a little, that is what we have been trying to do, we want to scare a few sides.’’

The crowds have been increasing in number and voice at the Gabba this year and newcomers such as coach Chris Fagan and veteran defender Luke Hodge have expressed surprise at the atmosphere that is created within the venue.

McCluggage suspects part of the reason is that the opposition and their fans also realise the Lions are becoming formidable foes.

He says the fact West Coast’s premiership campaign can be heavily influenced by today’s result could make the game closer to a final than a Rd 23 home and away game between 2nd and 15th.

“We don’t feel like we are seen as easy beats anymore, teams bring their A Game to us, we aren’t being taken lightly which should make for a final like atmosphere,’’ he said.

“That is our goal, to experience those types of games with a finals like atmosphere.’’

McCluggage said the significant change within the team over the past two years was that they have reached a stage of their development when they feel like they can beat any opponent in the competition.

“Definitely we feel that,’’ he said.

“Even this year compared to last year, back then we hoped to put in a good effort but you weren’t always sure what we’d produce on the day.

“But this year we have turned up nearly every week and I think the fans recognise that.”