Marvel in the picture

JUSTIN Bieber could have paved the way for a Marvel Stadium AFL Women’s grand final.

As the top eight takes its final shape this weekend, the league-owned stadium at Docklands could host the game should a Victorian team earn the right.

Ikon Park is another prime option should the game be played in Victoria.

But the ladder-leading Lions remain adamant that a home grand final is just that and will push to host the game in southeast Queensland should they win through to the decider with hosting rights.

Superstar Bieber recently postponed his world tour – which had been locked in for the AFL’s showpiece stadium on November 26 – amid a health battle. While Victoria’s state election could pose a hurdle to playing the game that day, Friday night and Sunday loom as prime timeslots should the game be played in Victoria.

If Melbourne – second on the ladder – earns the right to host a home grand final, the Docklands stadium or Ikon Park, could be the venue.

The league’s decision to shift the season forward to August resulted in a ground crunch at the end of November, with other codes having already booked stadiums around the country.

The AFL has kept a window from November 25-27 open for the game to be played.

Saturday, November 26, has been slated for months as Victoria’s state election date, and the Socceroos take on Tunisia at 9pm that night in the World Cup.

Adelaide Oval is not being considered due to cricket and concert commitments.

Brisbane – which sits atop the AFLW ladder – is determined to play the grand final at the Gabba should it earn hosting rights, despite a Sheffield Shield game being scheduled just days after the AFLW grand final weekend and an international Test against South Africa soon after.

Metricon Stadium – where the Lions will play their first final – is unavailable in the grand final weekend.

“We’ve had plenty of games at Metricon, so it does feel like home away from home, in a way,” Lions goalkicker Jesse Wardlaw said this week.

“We’re just playing anywhere, any time, and Metricon is a great place to play finals.”

AFL Women’s boss Nicole Livingstone said in August that awarding a home grand final to the highest-ranked team was “part of the uniqueness of AFLW”.

Moreton Bay Sports Complex at Burpengary, midway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, could be used as a venue, while the Lions’ new facility at Springfield could – pending approval – potentially be available by late November.

Lions chief executive Greg Swann on Friday said Brisbane would play the grand final in southeast Queensland if it had the chance.

“If we were lucky enough to make the grand final we are confident it would be at the Gabba or Springfield,” he said.