Brisbane Lions women's coach Craig Starcevich says it's flattering to think his side could be the catalyst for the AFL club's new training and administration base to finally be built.
The Lions currently have the worst facilities in the AFL but the success of their women's team has reportedly captured the attention of the Queensland state government, who are keen to invest in women's sport and have reopened talks with the club.
Old plans for a headquarters in Springwood are officially back on the table, but other options - including a greenfield site near Brisbane airport - have not been ruled out.
The Lions want their new base to also feature a boutique ground with the potential to accommodate up to 15,000 people, which would be ideal for the AFLW team.
"That's nice, to think we've actually got the convo going again," Starchevich told reporters.
"Whatever it takes to push the club along in the right direction, we're happy we've been part of it.
"(It's a) great way to support women in sport, generally. You can either go advertising campaigns or you can build facilities.
"It'd be nice when it happens but it's a little bit peripheral at the moment - both the boys and girls teams are getting on with the job and doing pretty well."
South-east Queensland lacks a suitable mid-sized stadium for any sport, with the Lions playing their AFLW home games this season at the South Pine Sports Complex in Brisbane's north, which has a capacity of 3000.
Starcevich's side is the only undefeated team left in the competition, and they need just one win from their last two games to assure themselves a spot in the inaugural grand final on March 25.
That makes Saturday morning's home clash against the Western Bulldogs a quasi-preliminary final.
Win that, and another victory in the final round would assure a home grand final, which would be staged at either the Gabba or at Metricon Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the round one AFL Q-Clash.
"There's a lot riding on it from our crew's point of view," Starcevich said.
"They've come off quite a big one last week, but to be honest, every week's been a big one.
"Different people have stepped up and they've shared the responsibility a bit too. That's what you want in a team."
Share
