The AFLW grand final between Brisbane and Adelaide will be played at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast after the Gabba pitch was deemed unsuitable to host the inaugural title decider.
Brisbane finished top of the ladder to claim hosting rights but the playing surface at the Gabba was damaged by an Adele concert earlier this month to such an extent that an alternative venue had to be found.
The Queensland government, the AFL and the Gabba had been in negotiations to find a solution in Brisbane but the grand final will now be played 80km south as a curtain-raiser to the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions.
Adelaide confirmed reports that Metricon Stadium would be used but on Monday afternoon Brisbane insisted they were still “in negotiations” over the venue.
The Lions have played their women’s home games at the South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, which has a capacity of just 3,000 and is unsuitable for the grand final.
The league and the Lions were adamant they wanted the first AFLW decider played at the Gabba.
A statement from Queensland Sports Minister Mick de Brenni earlier on Monday foreshadowed it would not be possible.
“We have done everything possible to encourage the turf, but the speed at which the turf grows is outside of our control,” De Brenni said.
Singer Adele’s concert at the Gabba on 4 March is said to have caused damage to the turf, which is expected to take several weeks to recover.
Last week, De Brenni said the Gabba was on track to host the women’s grand final and the first two Brisbane AFL home games, but Queensland Cricket has concerns about the centre wicket area because of damage from the concert.
The Lions have played their women’s home games at the South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, which has a capacity of just 3,000 and is unsuitable for the grand final.
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