Lions facing lockout

VENUES UNAVAILABLE

AS controversy continues to rage over Richmond’s decision to lock fans out of its AFLW semi-final, there’s concern Brisbane will be locked out of its own state for grand final week – even if they win hosting rights.

This year’s minor premiers Brisbane are through to a home preliminary final, which is set to be played at Metricon Stadium next weekend.

Should they win through to the grand final – and get the hosting rights, the Lions won’t be able to return to Metricon Stadium due to a clash with the Festival X Gold Coast concert.

To make matters worse, the AFL’s bid to access the Gabba instead has also been knocked back with confirmation cricket bosses pulled rank over use of the venue.

Under the current agreement, the Gabba surface is being prepared for upcoming Sheffield Shield matches and the first Test against South Africa starting on December 17.

In a joint statement, Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley and Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson confirmed the Gabba was not available for the Lions to host the AFLW grand final.

“We are very aware of the importance of providing the Gabba’s curatorial staff with the best opportunity to produce their usual Test-standard pitch ahead of the series against the Proteas, as well as getting the venue ready for the KFC Big Bash League matches featuring the Brisbane Heat that follow on from that,” they said.

It’s just another embarrassing blow for the AFL after shifting the AFLW season in a bid to get the sport “clear air” outside of the men’s game.

Whether or not the AFL looks to Bond University Field, where the Suns played a game this year, is unknown considering it holds just 3000 fans – only 2000 of those seated.

Already the code has come under fire for allowing Richmond to opt for Punt Road as their semi-final venue – given it holds just 2800 fans.

Tickets sold out in a matter of minutes for the final, but still the AFL opted against moving the match to a bigger venue.

“Sometimes you just shake your head,” AFL expert Gerard Healy said. “The AFLW competition doesn’t generate too many controversies. But given the longstanding battle the AFL have had with Geelong over the scheduling of finals over the years away from the Cattery to the MCG because of bigger crowd numbers, the Punt Road decision was always going to be one – a controversy.

“What happened to the logic applied to Geelong about maximising crowds? There is none. How does it apply to Geelong for a decade and a half, and all of a sudden doesn’t apply to the Tigers? It’s baffling.”

Last weekend, more than 4300 fans turned out for the Geelong elimination final at GMHBA Stadium.