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Sport
Joel Gould and Shayne Hope

Lions take aim at AFLW GF venue critics

Brisbane boss Greg Swann says the AFLW grand final will be played at a "world-class" venue. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Brisbane Lions boss Greg Swann has hit back at critics of the club's new AFLW ground, declaring it the perfect venue for the grand final against Melbourne.

Brighton Homes Arena has never previously hosted a competitive fixture and there is still work to be done to bring facilities up to scratch before Sunday's season decider.

A digital scoreboard, interchange benches, signage and marquees need to be put in place.

But league officials have ticked off the playing surface, which was laid just six weeks ago, giving it the green light to hold the showpiece event.

Lions CEO Swann says the ground is the "best venue in Australia" for AFLW matches.

It is part of the club's new $80 million base at Springfield and will hold about 8000 people.

"I'm a bit peeved at the (criticism), mainly coming out of Melbourne, that this is just a training ground," Swann told reporters on Monday.

"It's actually a purpose-built AFLW ground. It's a stadium, it's got grandstands, we've got open air here because of the weather.

"I've been lucky enough to go around the world and look at other facilities, and this is world-class.

"It's our home for a long, long time and hopefully we're playing plenty of grand finals here over the next few years."

Swann also rejected calls for the AFL to lock in a permanent venue for the women's grand final.

The Lions won hosting rights by finishing minor premiers ahead of Melbourne, who are unfazed about where the premiership decider is being played.

"We can't wait," Demons captain Daisy Pearce said.

"(It's a) brand new venue and from what Brisbane have put out it looks like a beautiful facility.

"We can't control where we're playing but we're just very grateful to have the opportunity to play in a grand final.

"If it's been ticked off by the AFL ... we don't mind."

Swann expects the grand final to "sell out quickly", with the AFL freezing ticket prices at $10.

Tickets went on sale on Monday afternoon.

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