Brisbane Lions open to playing in summer months even if it means no games at the Gabba

Brisbane is open to anything when it comes to this year’s AFL season amid the coronavirus outbreak, including playing well into the summer months, even if it means having to give up the Gabba.

Lachie Neale in action for the Lions at the Gabba. Picture: Getty

The Brisbane Lions are open to the idea of playing football well into the summer months – even if it means giving up their Gabba fortress.

The AFL is eager to hold their Grand Final clash at the MCG before the October 10 deadline, but if the coronavirus pandemic pushes that date out, then Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will be an option to host the decider up until December 31.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan conceded last week every effort will be made to complete the competition – which could mean the Grand Final could be played on Christmas Eve at Docklands.

However, with the Gabba set to host a number of cricket games from late October it could leave the Lions homeless over the summer months.

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Lachie Neale in action for the Lions at the Gabba. Picture: Getty

While many Lions players are keeping in shape at their home gyms, or going out into the workforce, the club’s general manager of football David Noble has been locked in discussions about what the future of their AFL season could look like.

“We’ve just got to be open (to a possible Christmas grand final),” Noble said.

“I don’t think any of us really quite know what it’s going to look like.

“There’s player’s availability (to consider), there’s ground availability, playing at a different time of year – it’s a whole new concept.

“We’re just open to see what that looks like as we go forward.”

A number of scenarios have been discussed at the club, including a month-long camp in the southern states to continue playing.

“We’d be on the road,” he said.

“We pride ourselves as a club that’s been able to travel.

“We did it last year where we travelled and executed our game. That doesn’t really faze us.

“We’d love to play at home. Our fans have been great.

Stefan Martin injured his knee in the Round 1 loss to Hawthorn. Picture: Getty

“We had the Gabba return and the voices had come back, so to miss on that would be disappointing but to still play in some capacity would also be great for our fans.”

A silver lining for the Lions during the AFL lockdown will be the return of ruckman Stef Martin if the season resumes in two months’ time.

Martin suffered a partial cruciate ligament tear in his knee during their Round 1 loss to Hawthorn.

Noble said the 33-year-old had the ability to continue his rehab while in self isolation.

“It’s a reasonable straight forward (injury),” Noble said.

“He’s in a brace. We were able to get that before too much of the isolation came into being so that was fitted.

“It’s about a seven to eight week program for Stef.

“Our physios are allowed to treat at an approved practice.

“We’re monitoring those guys on a daily basis. He will need to go through a reconditioning program.”

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