GABBA TO HOST AFL GRAND FINAL

GABBA GRAND FINAL MOVE EARNS PRAISE

AFL: History will be made this year when The Gabba hosts the first AFL grand final outside of Victoria.

Adding to the spectacle will be the night-time start, with a crowd of 30,000 allowed to attend.

“It’s a fantastic result for Queensland, absolutely unreal,” South Toowoomba Bombers coach Nathan Stewart said.

“I think it’s going to generate a lot of interest in Aussie Rules all over the state. We have a lot more access to that level of footy now, but this is something different.

“Hopefully the extra interest helps the game grow at all levels. “When the Brisbane Lions were at the top, a lot more kids were showing interest in the game.

“It’d be good to see that again it’s important you keep that next generation interested and coming through the ranks.”

Stewart’s Sydney Swans are well out of the finals picture, but there is another team he’d happily back to a grand final win.

“I think it’s going to be a Brisbane Lions and West Coast final,” he said.

“The way my Swans are going at the moment, I’m pretty much backing the Lions right now. I’d like to see them (Brisbane Lions) win it.”

Adelaide Oval is being considered as an alternative to the Gabba if Queensland experiencies a second COVID-19 wave.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has also confirmed the grand final will go back to the MCG in 2021.

“The Queensland presentation was world class and, while the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be the centrepiece, an extensive promotional campaign for the sport of Australian football, including multiple regional locations throughout Queensland, will bring fans closer to footy in the lead-up to the event and provide a lasting legacy,” McLachlan said.