In a major coup for Queensland, the Gabba will host this year’s 2020 AFL Grand Final, with the match locked in for October 24. 

It will be the first time the decider will have been played outside of Victoria and the first time it has been played in a night timeslot.

SUNS Chairman (and Chairman of Queensland’s Grand Final bid), Tony Cochrane, said Queensland was a deserving recipient of the AFL’s showpiece event after the role the State has played in keeping the 2020 season alive.

He said Australians loved to live and play in Queensland and the Grand Final would showcase this beautiful part of the country that is ‘Good To Go’.

“It’s an absolutely tremendous result to see our great state awarded the Grand Final this year – and we deserve it,” Cochrane said.

“It’s been a year like no other and Queensland has played a pivotal role in ensuring our great game can continue through the coronavirus pandemic.

“Metricon Stadium and the Gabba have both hosted more home and away games than ever before, so we think it’s fitting that Queensland is rewarded with the Grand Final in October.” 

Cochrane played a key role in Queensland’s bid for the event, being appointed as the Chair of Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s proposal committee.

He said it was a fantastic result both for the growth of the game and for Queensland tourism – headed by the ‘Good To Go’ campaign -  to see the state on the big stage.

“We can see the AFL’s investment in Queensland is working and this is evident from the year-on-year growth in our participation rates across all levels of football,” Cochrane said.

“Women’s football is booming, junior football is booming and even in our schools, the game is being played more and more. 

“This is a watershed moment for Queensland football and we believe this is another step in the right direction for the AFL. 

“We want to see tourism in Queensland back booming too and this huge AFL event will show all Australians – including locals – what a great place the Gold Coast, Cairns, Mackay and our entire State is for a holiday.”