Turf war no worry for Lions

BRISBANE Lions women’s coach Craig Starcevich says the Gabba turf war has not made a dent in the “energy and spirit” of his AFLW grand final-bound team.

While Stadiums Queensland, the AFL and the Lions continued to thrash out the final hosting details of the historic decider yesterday, Starcevich said that it was business as usual for his all-conquering squad.

The Lions take on Carlton in the final home-and-away match at Ikon Park tomorrow and Starcevich said keeping his side focused amid the spirited debate about the Gabba had not been a problem.

“We put that to bed pretty early in the week,’’ he said.

“They were super on Wednesday night with their focus.

“Our five leaders have been very strong on, ‘No, we want to knock over every game as it presents’.

“That’s super news as far as our coaching group goes, to know those five strong leaders are hellbent on making sure that every game is a successful outcome.’’

Starcevich said the current Gabba surface was vastly superior to Etihad Stadium when it first opened.

The inaugural AFLW decider looks set to be played at the Gabba with the undefeated Brisbane side earning hosting rights last week with their sixth win from six outings.

– LAUREN WOOD