AFL 2020: Lions star says Queensland should host decider as a reward for saving the season

As he prepares for the might of Richmond, Brisbane Lions star Charlie Cameron has declared the Gabba should host the AFL Grand Final.

Charlie Cameron (centre) celebrates with teammates during Brisbane’s big win over Essendon. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

BRISBANE Lions star Charlie Cameron has called for this year’s AFL Grand Final to be held at the Gabba, saying Queensland deserved to host the decider.

With the prospect an MCG Grand Final diminishing by the day due to Victoria being in a state of disaster because of COVID-19, hosting rights for the biggest date on the AFL calendar are up for grabs.

West Australians want the decider at Optus Stadium, with its 60,000 capacity bound to be a key factor in negotiations.

But while the 42,000-capacity Gabba is smaller, support continues to grow for a Queensland decider because of the support the state government has given the AFL in allowing the season to continue.

Victorian clubs are now based in south-east Queensland, while a stack of matches continue to be played at the Gabba and Gold Coast venue Metricon Stadium.

Charlie Cameron is celebrating the Lions’ good form and a new Brisbane contract. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Zorko impersonates Brian Taylor after win over Essendon

Cameron, whose Lions side meets premiers Richmond on the Coast on Tuesday night, said it was only fair that Queensland was given grand final hosting rights.

“We have all teams here, why shouldn’t we have the Grand Final here?” Cameron said.

“We’ve opened the borders up for all the AFL teams to come here and play footy here, so why not have it here?

“We should have it over ... Optus Stadium.”

The Lions playing in a Gabba Grand Final would be the icing on the cake for Queensland footy fans.

“We’ve just got to play an exciting brand of footy, and try to match it with the best. It’s going to different come finals time,” Cameron said.

“It’s going to be interesting over their next eight rounds. A lot can happen.”

The second-placed Lions get the chance to “match it with the best” when they take on the Tigers, who have won four of their past five matches to work their way up the ladder.

“They’re the in-form team at the moment with West Coast and Port Adelaide,” Cameron said of Richmond.

“It’s a good challenge. It’s an exiting game, two big teams going at it. We’re just looking forward to the match-up, seeing where we’re at against another premiership-(contending) team.”

Richmond has been a bogey team for the Lions, with Brisbane not having tasted success over the Tigers since 2009.

Cameron had problems with Tigers defender Dylan Grimes in the closing stages of last year when Richmond beat Brisbane in the final round of the regular season and again in the first week of the finals.

But Cameron is high on confidence ahead of Tuesday night’s clash, having kicked four goals in Brisbane’s thrashing of Essendon last Friday night just hours after singing a lucrative deal that will keep him at the Lions until the end of 2025.

“As long as my footy’s doing the talking, it is what it is,” the 26-year-old forward said.

“I was always confident (of staying with the Lions). I’m happy here in Brisbane. I made a choice to come back from (former club) Adelaide to here to be closer to family and friends.

“I’m playing some good footy with some good players around the footy club, and I’m enjoying it.”

Originally published as AFL 2020: Lions star says Queensland should host decider as a reward for saving the season