Lions expecting Gabba green light for AFLW

Mar 17, 2017 - 1:37 AM The Brisbane Lions are expecting confirmation on Friday they will be permitted to host the inaugural AFL Women's grand final at the Gabba.

Despite a request from Queensland Cricket to keep the ground free for the next six weeks to repair damage to the wicket from two recent concerts, it's anticipated the Lions will receive the green light to play the March 25 decider at their spiritual home.

"We just want it in our home state," coach Craig Starcevich told reporters.

"But plans are obviously well, well ahead to play it here, the club's fully behind it, it's getting closer and closer.

"Hopefully we won't be disappointed."

Independent ground experts will inspect the surface on Friday and make a recommendation, with the final decision to be made by Queensland Sports Minister Mick de Brenni, Stadiums Queensland and the AFL.

Starcevich has taken a look himself and reckons it is "well, well ahead" of some of the surfaces he's seen AFL matches played on before.

He said it would be a huge boost for the code in south-east Queensland and a unique advantage of the new AFLW competition to be able to stage a grand final outside of Victoria.

"Historically, everything AFL has been Melbourne-centric," Starcevich said.

"Now we've got an opportunity to build a competition from scratch where you get a bit of variety and spreading the love, if you like, across the country.

"We've got no historical reason to keep playing grand finals in Melbourne, that's for sure - whoever finishes top should host."

The unbeaten Lions take on Carlton on Sunday at Ikon Park and are keen to keep their perfect season intact ahead of a likely grand final meeting with Adelaide or Melbourne.

Starcevich said there was not even a hint of complacency in the team.

"Our five leaders have been very strong on (wanting) to knock over every game as it presents... they are really hell-bent on making sure every game's a successful outcome," he said.

Marquee forward Sabrina Frederick-Traub has been cleared to play despite injuring her quad in last week's win over the Western Bulldogs.

Source: AAP