Qld push to host Brownlow Medal as well as AFL grand final
Queensland’s shot at hosting the AFL grand final is firming, but it’s not the only major sporting event on the state’s radar.
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QUEENSLAND is firming as a genuine contender to host this year’s AFL grand final, and the prestigious Brownlow Medal night could follow, as the Sunshine State assumes the mantle of Australia’s sporting capital.
With Queensland coming to the rescue of the AFL season by agreeing to host all 10 Victorian clubs for the next two months, momentum is building for the grand final to be held at the Gabba, despite the credentials of bigger and more modern stadiums interstate, should the coronavirus pandemic force the code to abandon the MCG.
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AFL fans in WA are demanding the showpiece event go to the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium, while Sydney and Adelaide also offer bigger venues than the 42,000-capacity Gabba. However, it is understood WA is only a remote chance of hosting the GF, with a new market from Sportsbet showing the Gabba firming as a hot favourite to host the sport’s ultimate prize.
The Gabba had yesterday firmed as a $2.25 favourite on a Sportsbet market for the AFL decider, ahead of Perth at $3 and the MCG at $4.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday hit back at a WA newspaper front page complaining that the game’s biggest event could be held in the rugby league heartland of Brisbane.
“If they (Perth) can host a State of Origin, I think it’s only fair we host an AFL grand final,” she said in State Parliament.
“It’s because of Queensland’s strong health response and the strict COVID-safe plans in place that we can host the AFL and continue our plan for economic recovery.”
She also said she would love to see the Brownlow Medal, the sport’s night of nights famed for the red carpet entrances of glamorous WAGS, held in Brisbane.
“Queensland would be the perfect place for the glitz and the glamour of the Brownlow and it makes sense if we’re going to be the temporary home for the AFL,” she said.
The Brownlow traditionally kicks off a week-long festival of football leading in to the grand final and has been held outside Victoria only once in the event’s 97-year history.
It is understood WA’s bullish demands for the decider have not gone down well at AFL HQ, where officials recognise Queensland’s vital role in keeping the season alive.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the state was in the box seat to host the AFL grand final and could factor as an NRL host as well.
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