The Gold Coast Suns' long-awaited return to the AFLW finals could come with an unexpected challenge, with the club searching for an alternative venue ahead of the finals campaign.
The Suns currently sit fourth on the ladder with 8 wins and just 3 losses, securing their first finals campaign since 2023 after finishing in the bottom four the past two years.
However, Canarra Stadium will be unavailable during the second, third and fourth weeks of the finals series due to Australia's upcoming T20 international against England. The scheduling clash could force the Suns to relocate any potential home finals.
Brisbane Lions' training ground Springfield and Southport's Fankhauser Reserve are among the potential options, although both have their own complications.
A spokesperson from the Suns, as reported by the ABC, confirmed they were working with relevant stakeholders to establish alternative home venues for each week of the finals where Carrara Stadium is unavailable.
"Our playing group and staff have been resolute all season in their efforts to play anywhere, anytime, across eight different venues and we know they'll take that attitude into any scenario that presents throughout the post-season campaign," the spokesperson said.
Speaking to club media ahead of Sunday's clash against Greater Western Sydney, Coach Rhyce Shaw acknowledged the excitement surrounding the club's long-awaited finals return but stressed the importance of staying focused on the game.
"It is exciting for our footy club … It's been a bit of a tough year all round, but for our girls to pick up the slack a little bit and get going and make finals is really, really cool," Shaw said.
"We've got a big job against the Giants, and then we'll think of finals after that."
The Suns are not the only club in the AFLW facing venue complications, with Geelong also dealing with a scheduling clash at GMHBA Stadium due to the AUSX Open Supercross Championship scheduled for next weekend.
