Lions women move on from Gabba gaffe

Mar 23, 2017 - 7:03 AM Defender Sam Virgo insists the Brisbane Lions have moved on from their Gabba controversy ahead of Saturday's AFL Women's grand final clash with Adelaide.

The inaugural women's season decider has been moved from the Lions' home ground to Gold Coast's Metricon Stadium to protect the Gabba's cricket pitch, prompting a barrage of criticism.

AFL officials and fans blasted Gabba staff for the move following damage to the surface after sold-out Adele concerts in early March.

The Queensland government is looking at taking action against Gabba staff.

But Virgo said the players did not dwell on the disappointment.

"I am glad we have been able to move past that, as players we moved past pretty quickly," she said.

"Now there's a real buzz around the place.

"It's cool to be stopped in the street and spoken to about footy.

"Women sport's profile is going up and up - it's awesome."

Written off as wooden spoon contenders, Brisbane topped the AFLW ladder with an undefeated seven game run concluding with a last-round draw against Carlton.

"Underdog status is something we grabbed and picked up and ran with for a long time," Virgo said.

"We didn't really mind about that. It was something that worked in our favour.

"It allowed us to shock our opposition until they caught on.

"But we knew what we were capable of."

Virgo admitted there would be no element of surprise against Adelaide, especially after downing the Crows in a three-point, round five thriller.

"We learned a bit about how they play their footy in that game, how they like to move the ball quickly. But it will be a different game on Saturday," she said.

"You can research all you want but it's what you produce on Saturday - we are ready for a physical battle."

Virgo was blown away by the AFLW's runaway success in its debut year but thought the competition could be improved next year with an expanded finals series.

"It doesn't feel like eight weeks for me - it feels like 20 for my body," Virgo laughed.

"But a finals series would be nice to give teams an opportunity in this situation.

"Maybe (more) finals next year and years after that extra teams.

"But we want to make sure the top level is really an elite competition, not just add teams for the sake of it."

Source: AAP