Brisbane's hopes of hosting next week's preliminary final at the Gabba have taken a blow, with Cricket Queensland not budging on allowing the AFLW finals to take place at the venue.
The Lions booked themselves a spot in the penultimate weekend of the season following their qualifying final win over Richmond last Saturday, giving them a fortnight to prepare for their clash with the winner of the clash between Adelaide and Collingwood.
Chasing their second premiership in three years and fourth grand final appearance overall, the Lions are well-placed to reach the season decider after claiming the minor premiership in the seventh edition of the women's competition.
However, should they qualify, Brisbane are unlikely to host the final at the Gabba, with talks between the league and Cricket Australia ongoing.
The grand final is set to be held in the weekend of November 25-27, just over a week after Australia's men's cricket team play a five-day Test match against South Africa at the Gabba.
The short turnaround has placed uncertainty around the Gabba being an option for the AFLW Grand Final, whileย 9 Newsย have reported Cricket Queensland have ruled out any chance of the AFL getting the green light.
"The Lions were hoping to host the AFLW Grand Final at the Gabba if they win their preliminary final next weekend," reporter Mark Gottlieb said on Monday night.
"9 News understands that there were high level meetings between Cricket Australia and the AFL this afternoon, but Cricket Queensland has confirmed with me that they will not be making any decision that risks their preparation for the first Test against South Africa on December 17.
Cricket QLD has told @9NewsQueensland that they will not make the Gabba available for a possible #AFLW grand final despite talks between Cricket Australia and the AFL.
Brisbaneโs only remaining option is Moreton Bay which one official told me wonโt be ticked off by the AFL. https://t.co/HpW5HNkJH4
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) November 7, 2022
"The Gabba will not be made available. Metricon Stadium and the Lions' new Springfield base are also ruled out."
9 Newsย have reported that Marvel Stadium looms as the likely venue to host the grand final should Brisbane qualify.
Melbourne are the other club currently booked to host the preliminary final after defeating Adelaide in the opening weekend of the post-season.
The Crows and Magpies will clash this Saturday at Unley Oval to decide who progresses to face Brisbane next weekend.
