Sunshine Coast Council say cost to attract women’s footy to Maroochydore is ‘confidential’

Premiers Brisbane Lions will defend their AFLW title with “home” games to be played out of Fisherman’s Road in a potentially million-dollar economic boost to the region.

Premiers Brisbane Lions will defend their AFLW title with “home” games to be played out of Maroochydore in a partnership that Sunshine Coast Council claim will be a major economic boost to the region.

The move, in partnership with the council, will mean the club plays its home games out of the recently upgraded Fisherman’s Road Multi Sport Complex in Maroochydore.

Sunshine Coast Council economy portfolio councillor Jason O’Pray claimed the partnership would bring in “hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars” to the region, however, he was unable to say how much the arrangement cost.

The move comes 12 months after the complex had undergone major upgrades which had an investment of $2.3m from the council.

“That’s an interesting question. When you look at the broad costs, this ground is one of the best in Australia, so the cost is not only about the infrastructure and bringing the teams to town, it’s about getting more infrastructure and the development of young children, which council are happy to throw a few bucks at,” Mr O’Pray said.

“It’s a lot of money and we invest properly in it and we make sure we get a good return, which we do.”

Mr O’Pray said he did not know the actual figure for the partnership and said it was likely to be “confidential”.

“Hosting AFLW competition fixtures validated the ($2.3m) investment and would provide new supplier opportunities for local businesses,” Mr O’Pray said.

He said he was expecting the region’s diehard fans to flock to watch the Lions in action in front of a packed crowd of a capacity 5000.

Brisbane Lions head of women’s football Breeanna Brock said the Maroochydore field was of AFL standard.

Ms Brock said the team would likely travel up for home games and stay in the region.

“It’s an exciting prospect to call the Sunshine Coast our home this season,” Ms Brock said.

“Our club has strong ties to the region and we can’t wait to bring our exciting brand of football up here.”

AFLW foundation players Shannon Campbell and Sharni Webb are among those who hail from the Sunshine Coast, while Belle Dawes, Lily Postlethwaite, Maggie Harmer, Bella Smith, Mikayla Pauga all emerged from the Maroochydore Roos program.

For Ms Dawes, who still lives at Alexandra Headland, it means her two worlds will collide.

“Bringing footy here is awesome, the beach, the vibes, the lifestyle, I make the commute to Brissy everyday so it’s great,” she said.

“You have people in the back of utes yelling out, people you know everywhere. Game day will be really fun.”