Gabba likely to hold first AFL grand final outside Victoria

The Gabba is firming as the venue for this year’s AFL grand final, with negotiations set to begin within weeks. It will the be the first time the event is held outside Victoria in its history - but that won’t be the only reason a Brisbane final will make history.

The Victorian State Government is set to start talks with the AFL on moving the Grand Final out of Victoria.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal Sport Minister Martin Pakula will begin negotiation within weeks for our most famous event to be staged interstate for the first time in its 122 year history.

Queensland is the state set to hold the Grand Final on either October 17 or 24 and a night Grand Final is likely for the first time in the game’s history.

The night game is tipped to avoid any clash with the Caulfield Cup on October 17 and the 100th running of the Cox Plate on October 24.

It is understood Mr Pakula, who is also the racing minister, is committed to ensuring moving the Grand Final does not interfere with the marquee races.

The second wave of coronavirus is set to force the Victorian state government to accept that the Grand Final cannot now be held with crowds at the MCG, opening the door for the move interstate.

It will green light the move in exchange for guarantees from the AFL that marquee events such as the AFL Draft will be held in Victoria in the future.

It is understood the AFL will soon start talks with the Queensland Government about hosting the event and it will also talk to the West Australian and South Australian governments.

With the AFL now effectively relocating this season to Queensland to avoid coronavirus, the Sunshine State is the preferred location for the Grand Final.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands the AFL will seek support to grow the game as part of its negotiations with state governments.

Queensland, a traditional rugby league state is the where the AFL has the most to gain from growing the game and holding the Grand Final.

The Queensland Government has already expressed interest in hosting the match, with the GABBA the location for the biggest sporting event in our nation.

Originally published as Gabba likely to hold first AFL grand final outside Victoria