Olympic Games power broker urges AFL premiers the Brisbane Lions to make major stadium push

Premierships bring power and an Olympic champion has urged the Brisbane Lions to use theirs now - and turn their AFL title into something much bigger.

The Brisbane Lions have been urged by a key Olympic figure to shout from the rooftops their desire for a new home.

Brisbane Olympic Organising committee member Natalie Cook has urged the Lions not to be shy about their intention to have their current home at the Gabba eclipsed by a new stadium at Victoria Park.

The yet-to-be-approved $3.4 billion Victoria Park stadium, currently behind the government backed QSAC venue in the Olympic pecking order, would be a legacy venue for AFL and cricket after being the prime venue for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics.

When the North Queensland Cowboys won the 2015 NRL premiership, skipper Johnathan Thurston pleaded for a new stadium when the world was watching him on the presentation dais.

His words became the catalyst for the development of Townsville’s $280 million Country Bank Stadium and there is a feeling had he not spoken up there would be no new stadium.

Johnathan Thurston used the Cowboys’ 2015 triumph to push for a new stadium in Townsville. Picture: Brett Costello

The Lions have been more discrete since beating the Sydney Swans in last week’s AFL grand final.

Several Lions officials have said in radio interviews their preference is to move to Victoria Park but there has been no great vigour behind the campaign.

“Now is the time to say it,’’ said Sydney 2000 gold medallist Cook, aware of this month’s state election where the LNP have promised to conduct a 100-day Games review if they win.

“The Lions performance on the weekend was wonderful and I am hoping they can put some pressure on for a new stadium for them and the Olympics.

“The timing is perfect. When the Cowboys won and JT said what he said the Cowboys got a new Stadium. The Firebirds won the netball then got Nissan Arena.

Brisbane could turn this triumph into something far bigger. Picture: Getty

“As a board director I want the Lions and cricket to stand up and tell us what they really want so we can get the best venue for the next 50 years.

“There is no better accidental time to get your point across. If Victoria Park is the best option for cricket and the AFL that’s fantastic. We need a new age stadium with new technology with seamless fan engagement.’’

Cook said she was not a fan of the proposal to use the QSAC venue which hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and is the current government’s chosen venue.

“’That Commonwealth Games vision in 1982 made me want to become an Olympian but that has gone. It’s definitely not what you want in 2032. That is my personal opinion.

“Despite those memories of 1982 I hope we do not have to revisit the venue. We have outstayed that venue.’’

Originally published as Olympic Games power broker urges AFL premiers the Brisbane Lions to make major stadium push