The Brisbane Lions are set to lose a considerable trump card for much of this decade, with $1 billion developments on the Gabba set to send the River City side on the road.
With the Woolloongabba venue requiring stark upgrades in an effort to become fit to host the 2032 Olympics, much of the previously dog-tracked ground will be under construction from 2025 onwards and could take as many as four years to complete.
Given this,ย AFL Mediaย has reported that the Lions are now on the lookout for a replacement home ground, with three venues currently rising near the top of their wishlist.
Although currently under construction itself, the club's soon-to-be-opened training and AFLW headquarters in Springfield is said to be an option to host home clashes, in spite of the fact that its capacity is said to be capped at 10,000.
Yet, with suburban Springfield just over a half-hour drive down the M5 from the Gabba, and players on the verge of becoming familiar with the journey, the option remains viable for fans, athletes and bookkeepers alike.
Just across the Story Bridge, the Brisbane Showgrounds, owned by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), is also a live chance to host league fixtures for the first time since 1952 when Geelong and Essendon did battle in the first VFL match to be played under floodlights.
While Metricon Stadium is also an option to pick up the Gabba's slack, the mere fact that supporters from the Lions' heartland would be required to complete a two-hour round trip 11 times a season means it will likely prove unpopular with the membership base.
Speaking ahead of the final plans for the Lions' home state safari, Brisbane's general manager of infrastructure, strategy and government relations Jacob Anson claimed that there were pros and cons for each viable venue.
"The RNA has publicly expressed interest in hosting AFL and cricket while the Gabba is reconstructed," Anson said of the Showgrounds recommending as a league venue.
"The Lions have met with the RNA and more due diligence is required to understand whether it may be suitable."
Having managed to roar to victory in 32 of their past 33 regular-season contests on Vulture Street, the surrounds - which currently acts as the club's training base - have proven more than kind to their host and cruel to those fixtured to face them.
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With this in mind, Anson claimed that keeping the club's claws on the throats of their travelling adversaries would be their main focus.
"Our focus will be on maintaining a home ground advantage by playing most games at one stadium and ensuring that we can accommodate as many members and fans throughout the disruption," Anson said.
"We are not the only sport to be affected and we will continue to work with government to achieve the best outcome for our football program and supporters."
Brisbane's next fixture at the Gabba - their home of just under three decades - will see them face the resurgent Saints on Saturday, June 11 at 7:25pm (AEST).
