Lions lock in AFLW final in Springfield
Shayne Hope and Murray Wenzel |
Brisbane will train on their new home ground for the first time this week before they host the AFLW decider, coach Craig Starcevich happy the “distracting” grand final venue debate is now settled.
The turf at the Lions’ new 10,000-capacity Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield was given the all-clear for use just hours before Friday’s preliminary final win over Adelaide booked their spot.
It ended weeks of conjecture, with the Gabba and Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium both unavailable and no other viable Queensland options leaving open the prospect that the minor premiers would relinquish their home ground advantage if they did proceed.
“It feels like the announcement’s been ticking along all week,” the coach said after his side’s 23-point win over the Crows secured a fourth grand final appearance.
“It’s great … we can at least now talk about it and focus on that now rather than be the distraction that it was.
“I know what they’ve been like just training out there (on another ground) the last month-and-a-half, so to get the chance to play there is super exciting.”
But is he sure the recently-laid turf will handle the rigours of a premiership decider?
“I think I’m confident; I’m not the groundsman but everyday I walk into work it looks magnificent,” he said of the turf laid about a month ago.
“It improves daily.”
Brisbane will train on Tuesday and Thursday, the latter being the main session and likely on the new surface.
The AFL confirmed on Friday the venue has been given the green light by league officials.
“After an independent turf inspection at the venue this week, the turf was deemed suitable to play, clearing the way for the Brisbane Lions’ state-of-the-art home base to host an AFLW grand final if Brisbane win,” AFL executive member Travis Auld said.
“The AFL are working with the Brisbane Lions and a government-led task force to address all that needs to be prepared at Brighton Homes Arena.
“All hands are on deck to prepare the venue in time for an AFLW grand final, should the Brisbane Lions win on Friday night.”
The AFLW grand final will be held on Sunday 27 November at 2.40pm (AEDT).
The league had also locked in grand final venues in Victoria (Marvel Stadium) and South Australia (Richmond Oval), to be used if Adelaide toppled Brisbane.
AAP
