Queensland premier calls on Vics to support Sunshine State

As competition to host the AFL grand final hots up, Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called on Victorians to support the sunshine state’s bid if the game can’t be held at the MCG.

Melbourne's sporting precinct is quiet under Stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Mark Stewart

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called on Victorians to rally behind Queensland as the destination of choice for the AFL grand final.

The league is set to make a call on where the decider will be played at the end of this month, with the chances of the MCG – the traditional and contracted home of the game – hosting the match deemed incredibly slim due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis in Victoria.

Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Perth have all expressed a desire to host the game, which could be staged outside of Victoria for the first time in the history of the VFL/AFL.

Palaszczuk said that the sunshine state would be ready if required, but was waiting for the league to make its call.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wants the AFL grand final in Queensland. Picture: Scott Powick

“But we are having some close talks behind the scenes,” she said on Monday morning.

“We’re going to work very closely behind the scenes.

“And if the decision is made for it not to be held in Melbourne, Queensland has hosted the bulk of the competition and I would hope that people living in Victoria would also support Queensland.”

Palaszczuk would not be drawn on how much money could be involved, and said “we’re not at that stage at the moment”.

“Like I said, we need the AFL to make their decision,” she said.

“This is a very tough decision, because let’s face it – it has never left Victoria. But Queensland does stand ready, willing and able to host if it is unable to be hosted in Victoria.”

If the season continues without a pre-finals bye, the game is slated to be played on October 17.

If the game is in the sunshine state, the Gabba is considered the most likely venue. Picture: Getty Images

League boss Gillon McLachlan has been open that he would not intend to go head-to-head with the Caulfield Cup, or the 150th Cox Plate the following week if the bye was implemented.

Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said on Friday that it was still too soon to make a call on moving the game away from the MCG, and said the state government and sports Minister Martin Pakula were engaged in conversation with the league.

“We’ve got a contract in place so we would seek to add a year at the end of that contract if the event can’t occur here,” he said.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure that it does, but it is a long way off.”

Herald Sun