Princes Park looms as likely grand final venue

PRINCES Park has firmed as the preferred venue to host this year’s AFLW grand final – if a Victorian team finishes on top of the ladder.

While a push had been on to host the decider at the iconic MCG or Etihad Stadium, the AFL has confirmed it has earmarked Carlton’s traditional home ground for the March 25 clash if a Victorian team hosts the game.

Unbeaten sides Adelaide and Brisbane occupy the top two spots on the ladder ahead of the start of Round 4 today but Carlton and Melbourne sit within striking distance of top spot, just one game behind.

If the Crows were to secure the minor premiership, the grand final would be played at Adelaide Oval while a firstplaced finish from Brisbane would mean a decider at either the Gabba or Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast.

AFL general manager of game development Simon Lethlean said while the MCG had not been ruled out as a venue the league felt Ikon Park (Princes) was a better fit.

“Our preference is to host the game at Ikon Park if we can make all that work,” Lethlean said.

“A 24,000 (crowd capacity) size venue seems right and it (the competition) has been well received to be in these more suburban community grounds.

“We think if we can orchestrate for it to be there if a Melbourne team finishes on top we can do a good job and it will be the right environment for a successful grand final. So that’s certainly our intention but we haven’t ruled anything out with this competition.”

Lethlean said the AFL was also keen to make the women’s grand final free to attend, something that would be difficult to do if the match was played as part of a doubleheader with a men’s game at the MCG or Etihad Stadium.