Qld scored AFL Grand Final for $5m cheaper than other bidders
Queensland’s “compelling” bid for the AFL Grand Final came in at millions of dollars cheaper than other bidders and ensured that the state’s best live musicians will be part of the show. It could even include a Powerfinger reunion. WHO SHOULD PERFORM? VOTE IN OUR POLL
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QUEENSLAND’S once-in-a-lifetime AFL grand final was sealed for a song.
As the country’s top promoters clamour for the chance to produce the pre-game spectacle, The Courier-Mail can exclusively reveal the State Government’s bid came in millions of dollars cheaper than other states and includes a clause to guarantee Queensland performers take centre stage as part of the entertainment extravaganza.
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Tourism Minister Kate Jones on Wednesday led calls for a reunion show of Queensland rock icons Powderfinger, who famously named an album Vulture Street – the location of Brisbane’s beloved Gabba.
While AFL fans in WA and SA yesterday reacted bitterly to the official confirmation of rugby league-mad Queensland as the host of this year’s grand final under lights on October 24, it is understood Brisbane’s bid came in up to $5 million cheaper than their rivals.
Sources close to the process confirmed Queensland’s financial incentives were well behind other states, but the decision “was never about money”.
Juliet Mackintosh, 9, Olivia Hoare, 6, and Archie Moore, 7, (front) celebrate the AFL grand final coming to the Gabba.
Instead, the AFL’s decision was based largely on the gratitude towards Queensland’s role in saving the season as the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc in Victoria and confidence in the state’s own impressive response to the health crisis.
However, the Adelaide Oval has been placed on standby should COVID-19 case numbers escalate in Queensland, while WA, which launched an aggressive push for the decider, was overlooked entirely after its steadfast stance on borders.
Ms Palaszczuk said the grand final would inject almost $20 million in to the Queensland economy as part of a festival of football featuring a string of glitzy awards nights including the prestigious Brownlow Medal earmarked for the Gold Coast.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, who made the announcement via video from his Gold Coast quarantine hub hotel, said it was a historic occasion with the first-ever grand final to be staged outside of Melbourne to be played in front of a crowd of up to 30,000 at the Gabba.
“The Queensland presentation was world class and, while the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be the centrepiece, an extensive promotional campaign for the sport of Australian football, including multiple regional locations throughout Queensland, will bring fans closer to footy in the lead-up to the event and provide a lasting legacy,” he said.
Travis Auld, the AFL’s head of fixtures, said Queensland’s bid “was compelling”.
“There’s a number of factors that will bring long-term benefits both to us and the state of Queensland,” he said.
“There’s a really exciting opportunity to continue to build on the interest levels and the participation levels of AFL in Queensland.”
It is understood the contract for the pre-game entertainment, a traditional highlight of Grand Final Day, will focus on Queensland talent, with a roll call of possible performers including Powderfinger, Pete Murray, the Veronicas, Sheppard and Amy Shark.
Ms Jones said it was important to showcase Queensland during the grand final, the first - and possibly last, decider to ever be staged outside of Melbourne, with the current MCG contract this week extended until at least 2058.
“Given we will only ever host an AFL grand final once we want it to have a Queensland feel,” she said.
“We have a night game where we want to see some of Queensland’s best talent take centre stage.
“We want all footy fans tuning in to feel like they’re getting a real taste of Queensland.
“It would be amazing if Powderfinger could be reunited, but there are so many other wonderful Queensland performers.”
Production guru Michael Gudinski, who has been heavily involved in the grand final entertainment program for years, was yesterday enthusiastic about the opportunity to deliver a showcase under lights.
“A twilight game gives us a real chance to showcase the performers in a much better light, it really takes it to another level production and staging wise,” he said.
Powderfinger split in 2010, but reunited to perform a virtual concert in May which raised almost $500,000 for charity Beyond Blue.
The timing of a grand final performance works, as the band will launch a deluxe anniversary edition of their album Odyssey No.5 on Friday – 20 years to the day after its first release
“Powderfinger are obviously one of the greatest Queensland bands of all time … Obviously they (Powderfinger) would be a strong contender,” Mr Gudinski said.
“Obviously it’ll be very oriented towards Queensland artists.”
Hopes of a grand final encore have been boosted by news the band will release a deluxe anniversary edition of their album Odyssey No. 5 on Friday – 20 years to the day after its first release and have also announced plans for a new album later this year consisting of
previously unreleased material.
An events committee will meet within days to start planning the enormous grand final logistical exercise.
The premiership trophy, which arrived in Queensland on Tuesday, will tour regional centres before arriving at the Gabba for the grand final.
- with Cameron Adams
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Q Why are we having our first night Grand Final?
A It gives the AFL an opportunity to experiment with the night timeslot. It also avoids a clash with the Cox Plate.
Q Why did Gabba win?
A The Queensland Government essentially saved the AFL season during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria by allowing teams to set up hubs in Queensland to continue the season. Queensland was one of four states to bid, with South Australia finishing ahead of Western Australia and NSW.
Q Has the AFL locked in an exact starting time?
A No, but the game will be played under lights. With daylight savings, the earliest the game will start is 6.30pm Melbourne time (5.30pm in Queensland), but likely later.
Q What happens if we have a COVID-19 spike?
A Adelaide Oval is on standby if the game cannot be staged at the Gabba. The AFL will firstly look at playing the match with a reduced crowd at the Gabba. If the situation escalates, Adelaide will get hosting rights.
Q Can Victorian fans get to the Grand Final?
A Queensland has closed its border to Victorians. When asked whether the Grand Final will change the state’s stance on border restrictions, Premier Palaszczuk simply said “no”.
Q How will the 30,000 Gabba tickets be allocated?
A The AFL says competing club members will get the biggest slice of the ticket pie. Any unclaimed tickets would return to the pool and potentially go on general sale. The AFL needs to work through entitlements of interstate-based MCC and AFL members, as well as allocations to various other stakeholders.
Q Will all finals be played in Queensland?
A No, but most will. The AFL is also considering allowing clubs to play “home” finals at their choice of venue, which could mean a final at Metricon Stadium.
Originally published as Qld scored AFL Grand Final for $5m cheaper than other bidders