Queensland NRL finals pain is AFL’s gain
With all three Queensland clubs out of finals contention for the first time in two decades, the AFL is looking to capitalise with a plethora of live footy to be played in the coming weeks.
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has encouraged Queenslanders to get along to a live match as the code looks to seize on the state’s first NRL finals wipeout in almost two decades.
Not since the 1991 season has a Queensland NRL club missed the finals campaign and it has provided a golden opportunity for the AFL to attract more fans.
The Gabba and Metricon Stadium will host a plethora of finals footy over the coming weeks, including the second-placed Lions who are vying for this year’s flag. Speaking for the first time since leaving the Gold Coast hub, McLachlan encouraged Queenslanders to experience a live game.
“We have had 70ish home-and-away games and the crowds have been fantastic,” McLachlan said. “Brisbane now have the double chance guaranteed. There will be other finals as well, I’m pretty confident about that. So I encourage everyone to come and support the Lions or just come to a game of football. It’s an exciting time for AFL in Queensland.”
The Lions this week announced they had become the biggest member-based club in the state, surpassing the powerhouse Broncos. The club revealed their membership tally for 2020 had reached 29,277, more than the Broncos’ 27,463 members.
It comes as the AFL is expecting 30,000 fans at the Gabba for this year’s historic grand final and a “lasting legacy” in the rugby league dominated state.
Footy bosses are hoping the exposure of AFL in Queensland will double the number of junior participants within the next decade.
McLachlan was all praise for the growth of the game.
“The ratings in Queensland have been up 40 per cent,” he said.
“It’s been a fantastic growth year for our game. Junior participation club registered teams have reached a record despite COVID so we’re providing options for boys and girls and men and women and the Lions and the Suns are leading the way.
“Generally, the feedback has been fantastic and people enjoy having footy up in Queensland.
“The players are appreciative of being here and I know the supporters are as well.”
As announced this week, Victorian clubs will be given their choice of three venues for home finals, with that option set to extend through to preliminary final week for Geelong and Richmond. If they both win qualifying finals, they have the option to play for a grand final spot at the Gabba, Metricon Stadium or Adelaide Oval.
While the final call will belong with the league, the club’s preference will be strongly considered.
Meanwhile, Carlton captain Patrick Cripps won’t be going back-to-back in the AFL Players Association MVP award after his teammates opted not to nominate him as a 2020 contender.
Carlton players chose Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering and Jack Martin as their trio of contenders.
The Courier-Mail
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