Lions chairman Angus Johnson feels the AFL has shunned the club's attempts to get a foothold in the competitive sporting market in south-east Queensland. Picture: Rob Maccoll Source: The Courier-Mail
FURIOUS Brisbane chairman Angus Johnson will demand an explanation from the AFL for the "indefensible" decision to hold this Friday's NAB Cup grand final in Melbourne.
The Lions finished on top of the table after the preliminary rounds of the pre-season competition as the only undefeated side but must still travel to Etihad Stadium for the decider against Carlton.
The AFL issued a statement on Saturday night justifying the decision by saying: "Etihad Stadium was chosen as the location ... as the Gabba was not available to the AFL as Brisbane's home ground, due to cricket commitments, and the largest possible crowd would be drawn at Etihad Stadium ahead of any potential game at Metricon Stadium.''
Brisbane coach Michael Voss took aim at the AFL after the 34-point win over Collingwood on Saturday night catapulted the Lions into the final.
An angry Johnson also could not hide his disgust at the decision when contacted by The Courier-Mail yesterday and said he would be "expressing displeasure" to AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and chief executive Andrew Demetriou.
"It's just totally unfair and indefensible, completely indefensible," Johnson said.
"I couldn't believe it when I heard the reason we are being forced to play in Melbourne again was ticket sales. That is an incredibly short-sighted view that is difficult to fathom."
Johnson feels the AFL has shunned the Lions' attempts to get a foothold in the competitive sporting market in south-east Queensland.
"The code had an opportunity to play a final in Queensland, to showcase the game," he said.
"Growth in the game is not going to come from Victoria, it's going to come from Queensland and NSW.
"My concern is that we thought the AFL was aware of the challenges we face in an expansion state.
"It's on the public record that Andrew said the AFL had taken their eye off the ball with Brisbane, that we had not received the same support as the Gold Coast Suns.
"This is just a slap in the face for the club. If the Suns had finished on top of the table, there is no way the final would be in Melbourne.
"We are also playing an established, traditional Melbourne club. As we have seen over the past few weeks, clubs like Carlton, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Essendon practically live with the AFL.
"They are constantly lobbying the AFL and putting pressure on the AFL. Carlton essentially have a home final with one more day's rest than us."
The Lions received support from Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, who backed Brisbane's claim for the decider in their home state
"We discussed it late in the game in the box that clearly Brisbane are the undefeated side and they get home ground advantage, so we presumed the game would be at Metricon," Buckley said.
"Vossy has got every right to be disappointed."
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