Brisbane tried to move its first AFLW home game to the Gabba after early success of league

BRISBANE is bracing for fan issues at its first AFLW home game against Collingwood on Saturday with a capacity of just 3000 — and no seats — at the venue in Brendale.

THE Lions have asked fans for patience saying the unexpected interest in the new women’s league could create teething problems at Brisbane’s first home game.

The Lions had already sought unsuccessfully to have the game moved to the Gabba and on Tuesday made a late bid to switch to the Burpengary site that has hosted AFL pre-season games in recent years.

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The match against Collingwood will be held on Saturday at the new $10m facility at Brendale which holds just 3000.

The Lions expect double that.

There is expected to be adequate parking and organisers have increased food and water orders to ensure there is sufficient catering, however there is no shade nor any grandstands.

The bigger problem is there is no hill so people who do not get front row standing area will have restricted viewing.

Tayla Harris starred for the Lions in their win over Fremantle. Picture: Getty

Lions CEO Greg Swann said the ground was first class but there would be some viewing issues for spectators.

“You will need to get there early and there will be some who will come and will be a bit disappointed with the view they get,’’ he said.

“That will be fixed in the future but at this stage, that’s how it is.

“It is a ripping facility, the surface is incredible, but the success of the competition has exceeded everyone’s expectations.’’

Lions star Tayla Harris says athletes such as herself who have played the game all their lives were not surprised by its success.

The Lions marquee signing received a Round 2 Rising Star nomination for her starring role in the Lions’ 13-point victory over Fremantle in Perth.

Brisbane will host its first home game of the AFLW season on Saturday against Collingwood. Picture: Getty

“As players we have always thought people just have to wait and see,’’ she said.

“It was frustrating before we had played having people critique us, it is not going to be any good and that sort of stuff.

“It was so frustrating having to wait so long to actually play Round 1 but when we did I think people, they just had to accept it.

“My favourite thing to say is if you are an actual football fan there is no reason why you wouldn’t want to watch more footy.

“If you don’t like the women’s game fair enough but you are not a footy fan.’’

Originally published as Brisbane tried to move its first AFLW home game to the Gabba after early success of league