Grand final not going anywhere
AFL Queensland CEO Dearn Warren has moved to put an end to the annual debate surrounding the venue used for the QAFL grand final.
Two Gold Coast teams – this time Palm Beach Currumbin and Broadbeach Cats – will compete for the premiership for a third year in a row on Saturday.
The grand final will be held at the AFLQ’s Yeronga base at Leyshon Park despite the Gold Coast once again dominating the state league.
Warren said continued arguments over the grand final venue were not good for the game and insisted all QAFL club presidents agreed to the decision when they met the AFLQ last November.
“There has been ongoing debate for several years as to where the QAFL grand final should be played,” he said.
“The presidents were united in their view that annual debate over the venue was not in the best interest of the competition or participating clubs.
“All clubs agreed that Yeronga was the home of SEQ football and that AFL Queensland was able ensure this venue was prepared and presented in a manner befitting our state’s premier men’s competition.
“As a result, it was agreed by the presidents and AFL Queensland that the QAFL’s grand final should be played at Yeronga regardless of which clubs are participating.”
Palm Beach Currumbin coach Chad Owens labelled their inability to hold the event at a neutral ground on the Gold Coast “ridiculous” and questioned the crowd the game would be able to attract.
Broadbeach coach Brett Andrews said it would hurt crowds but remained content with Yeronga due to the limited number of suitable grounds on the Gold Coast.