Footy fans slam the venue for the AFLW grand final – as the league refuses to make a late switch to keep them happy

AFLW fans have expressed their anger after tickets for the grand final sold out in under three hours due to limited capacity at the venue for the event.

The decider between Brisbane and North Melbourne will be played at Ikon Park – Carlton’s training ground – which is currently being redeveloped and has a reduced capacity as a result.

Only 13,000 spectators will be able to attend the first AFLW grand final to be held in Victoria since 2018 on Sunday. 

To put that figure into context, 53,000 fans attended the 2019 grand final between Adelaide and Carlton at Adelaide Oval. 

To rub salt in the wound, Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium – which also has a capacity of 53,000 – will be vacant this weekend. 

Only 13,000 will attend North Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions this weekend

One fan noted that fact when responding to the AFL on Twitter: ‘Shame the AFL doesn’t own a bigger stadium in Melbourne they could use.’ 

Another added: ‘That’s just ridiculous. What’s happening at Marvel – the ground the league actually own.’ 

A third fan quipped: ‘We are all Marvelling at the ability of the AFL to plan…’ 

However, the league has refused to budge on their decision and the game will remain at Ikon Park. 

‘The AFLW grand final hosting venues were agreed to with our clubs prior to the start of the season,’ an AFL spokesperson said.

‘Ikon Park on Sunday will deliver a great atmosphere, hopefully in front of 13,000 fans.

‘Marvel Stadium is not available this weekend due to hosting other major events in recent weeks and the turf is presently not suitable for any games.’