BRISBANE is confident its proposed new Springfield training base and boutique stadium will be ready for the 2020 AFL Women's season after the Queensland government agreed to fund part of the project.
It's been years in the making, but the Lions could start building their facility in Springfield within two months.
The federal government is expected to tick off a $15million contribution shortly, with the Queensland government to do likewise in its May budget.
That would complete the $70 million required for the project.
The Lions are itching to begin building.
"The state have given us a letter saying they'll give us the money and they want the feds to tell them they'll match. We think that'll happen," Lions CEO Greg Swann told AFL.com.au.
"We want to be up and running and finish it by the start of the 2020 women's season."
The Lions are already working with architects and once the money is guaranteed would be in a position to begin building immediately.
Swann said although the stadium – expected to seat around 10,000 people - and training base would be built simultaneously, the club would prioritise the ground so it would be ready for the 2020 season.
The Lions' women's team, runner-up in both AFLW seasons, currently play at venues on Brisbane's northside that are unsuitable for night games with lighting not fit for television broadcast.
"It gives a huge boost to everyone at the club, players and staff included," Swann said.
"It's been a long process.
"When this is finished we'll be able to control 24/7.
"We can train when we like, we don't have to move around like nomads, we'll have everything that opens and shuts.
"Hopefully it leads to an even tighter club because we'll be in one facility, we can train on the ground when we like and don't have to wait for cricket to finish and things like that.
"It's very exciting."
