AFLW Grand Final Venue Confirmed At Metricon Stadium After Gabba Ruled Unavailable 

The AFL today announced the 2017 NAB AFLW Grand Final between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows would be played at Metricon Stadium this Saturday, March 25, commencing at 1pm AEST (2pm AEDT).

The game will be broadcast live on the Seven Network and FoxFooty.

AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said Stadiums Queensland had told the AFL the Gabba was unavailable.

Gill McLachlan will be available to media at AFL House at 5pm today, Monday March 20 to discuss this decision.

Mr McLachlan said the AFL was extremely disappointed that Stadiums Queensland have not been able to make the ground available for the first-ever NAB AFLW Grand Final, despite weeks of discussions.

“The Brisbane Lions have earned the right to host the inaugural NAB AFLW Grand Final in their home state, and it is extremely disappointing that the first-ever Women’s Grand Final cannot be at the home of AFL football in Brisbane,” Mr McLachlan said.

However, the AFL wished to thank the Gold Coast Suns for being able to provide Metricon Stadium as a venue, and hoped that Lions’ fans could continue to support their women’s team, which had remained undefeated through the minor round.

“The AFL is profoundly disappointed the Gabba surface is not able to be presented for the AFLW showpiece match but we hope that as many Lions’ fans as possible, and travelling fans of the Adelaide Crows, can support the match at Metricon Stadium.

“Attendance for the Grand Final will be free, and we will also be seeking the support of the Government to maximise transport options to get fans to the game,” Mr McLachlan said.

The Lions and the Crows played a compelling game at Norwood Oval in round five, with the Lions just edging home by three points, and Saturday’s inaugural Grand Final promises to be a fantastic match, he said.