Greg Swann says ‘all hell would break loose’ if the Lions were again denied access to the Gabba

AFL officials have warned their relationship with Stadiums Queensland would never recover if the Round 2 clash with Essendon at the Gabba does not go ahead.

Brisbane players celebrate a win. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

AFL officials have warned their relationship with Stadiums Queensland would never recover if the Round 2 clash with Essendon at the Gabba does not go ahead.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said Monday’s ruling by Stadiums Queensland to deny the Lions access to the Gabba for the AFLW grand final had already cast a shadow over future negotiations between the league and Stadiums Queensland.

And Lions chief executive Greg Swann has foreshadowed a hefty compensation battle would follow any decision to move the Essendon clash.

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“You would be looking at all those avenues for sure,’’ he said.

“It’s our biggest game – 25,000 plus season opener for us here.’’

Swann said on Monday night Stadiums Queensland had been unable to guarantee the match would be played at the Gabba but declared “all hell would break loose” if his club was again denied access to their home ground.

Kate McCarthy and Kaitlyn Ashmore celebrate a goal for the Lions. Picture: Darren England

Swann was livid on Monday when Stadiums Queensland ruled Saturday’s inaugural AFLW grand final could not take place at the Lions’ home ground.

They have also reserved a decision on the Round 2 match with Essendon until a series of further pitch inspections.

Swann said the blame for the fiasco laid squarely with the decision at the Gabba to returf a section of the wicket after the recent Adele concert.

I'm hoping that Lions fans & all friends & family make the trek to the Gold Coast for the GF of AFLW.

— Terry Wallace (@thelistmanager) March 20, 2017

“We were dumbfounded at the time that someone would re-sow a wicket that isn’t needed until the middle of November (for cricket),’’ Swann said.

“Our question is why was that done, knowing there’s games coming? Why that’s been allowed to happen is beyond us.

“And now this is the repercussion.

“And now for our first home game that is another issue.

“There is going to be more inspections later in the week and early next to make sure the boys can play there.’’

An irate McLachlan said it was the angriest he had been during his time in charge of the AFL.

Brisbane players celebrate after a goal. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The stadium has had three weeks to prepare the venue and it’s difficult to process how the venue is not available to showcase this game – the pinnacle of our AFLW season,” McLachlan said.

Swann said the AFL and the Lions will now ramp up their lobbying of the State Government to build a boutique stadium to host women’s matches.

“We’ve spoken to the (Queensland) government about not having to be in this situation again,” Swann said.