TOM ROCKLIFF has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Brisbane Lions' Gabba training facility, saying it isn't up to AFL standard.

Speaking on Melbourne radio station RSN927 on Wednesday morning, the Lions' captain said the sub-standard facility was hindering the club from competing at the highest level.

The Lions have waged an unsuccessful three-year battle to get funding for a new training and administration base near the Brisbane Airport. 

The AFL has committed $5million and, after meeting with the club last week, has now reportedly agreed to help with the Lions' negotiations with local, state and federal governments to get the remainder of the money.

The club has been particularly proactive over the past six months, closing in on partnerships with the Multicultural Development Association and Australian Catholic University that will see them share the airport site with the Lions.

It can't come quick enough for Rockliff.

"They haven't changed since 2000," he said of the facilities.

"Think about that, 16 years, and the technology that's changed in that period. 

"We're below ground the whole time. We don't have any sunlight in there. 

"The gym only got a makeover because it flooded last year."

Teammate Mitch Robinson has described the club's gym as a "dungeon".

Rockliff said it was having a greater impact on the club than simply not having sunlight.

"We're battling a fair bit with the facility. It is always a challenge to compete at the highest level," he said.

"If you have a good facility, I know it's not the be all and end all, I think a good culture drives that, but the facility definitely helps."