Queensland Government to bid for AFL grand final to be held in Sunshine State

The Queensland Government is in weekly talks with the AFL and will “absolutely” put a bid in to host the grand final if the decider becomes available, Tourism Minister Kate Jones has confirmed. But she expects it will be a “competitive process”.

Queensland will put in a bid to host the AFL grand final if the decider becomes available, Tourism Minister Kate Jones has confirmed.

It comes as hundreds of coronavirus cases continue to be recorded every day in State of Disaster-declared Victoria, making it increasingly likely that the biggest day on the AFL calendar will be hosted outside of Melbourne.

Ms Jones on Tuesday said the State Government was in weekly discussions with the AFL about the season, including the October 17 grand final.

“As the Premier has said, (we) would absolutely put a bid in for an AFL grand final if that becomes available,” she said.

Brisbane Lions star forward Charlie Cameron has called for the grand final to be played at The Gabba. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“It will be a competitive process, but we will be in there of course.

“I’m sure there will be a bid made when the AFL opens up the opportunity for states to bid for the AFL grand final – of course Queensland will be in there.”

Ms Jones’ comments follow calls from Brisbane Lions star Charlie Cameron for the clash to be held at the Gabba, saying it would only be fair that Queensland be given grand final hosting rights.

Queensland is currently hosting a number of Victorian teams as the 2020 season continues amid the COVID crisis, with matches being played at the Gabba in Brisbane and Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Ms Jones said if Queensland could help ensure that a grand final can go ahead in 2020, then “we will be there”.

“Of course the Premier has said that in her own words that she would love to see it here,” she said.

“But we are also mindful that Victoria is doing it really tough right now.

“I get that for Victorians the idea of having an AFL grand final in Queensland and not their spiritual home of the MCG is a big thing.”

Ms Jones said a grand final would provide an opportunity to showcase the Sunshine State to the NSW, Victorian and South Australian markets, as she pointed to Queensland’s major events credentials.

“We have demonstrated that we can host large major events that are great for the spectator and great TV,” she said.