Qld won’t rule out possibility of hosting AFL grand final as Victoria enters state of emergency

As Victoria enters a six-week state of emergency, a rival state says it’s not the right time to discuss hosting the AFL’s biggest game of the year.

As a state of emergency grips Victoria, the future of the AFL season hangs in the balance, but Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says it’s not “appropriate” to discuss the possibility of playing the grand final in the Sunshine State just yet.

Queensland is in the midst of hosting record-breaking numbers of AFL games after Victorian teams were relocated to allow the season to continue. The fate of the grand final, slated to be played on October 17, has yet to be decided.

Last night, Victoria entered stage four lockdowns that will last until September 13.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Monday morning it was inappropriate to comment on a potential Queensland AFL grand final but said she would participate in further discussions. Pic Annette Dew

Speaking on Monday morning, Ms Palaszczuk said if coronavirus restrictions prevented Victoria from hosting the grand final, she would be “happy” to be part of discussions about an alternative venue to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“I know how much the grand final means to Victorians, and I know how much Victoria is hurting. All our thoughts are with Victorians at the moment,” she said.

“We are focused on the (AFL competition) … if at some stage down the track there are discussions about where to host the grand final (if Victoria can’t), we’re happy to be a part of those.

“But it’s premature at this stage, and we will discuss at the appropriate time.”

The AFL is set to make a decision on the fate of the grand final sometime this month.

The Brisbane Lions will host Richmond at Gold Coast Metricon Stadium on Tuesday night, while Geelong will take on North Melbourne at the Gabba on Wednesday night.