SINCE Ikon Park was announced as the AFLW Grand Final venue for 2018 there has been much debate as to which venue would best highlight the best attributes of women’s footy.

That debate will continue to rage as the premiers celebrate their win.

While the AFL predicted a close to capacity crowd for the Grand Final, inclement weather has deterred many supporters from coming to the ground.

The stands, at best, are close to half capacity.

Finals Week 1

The pre-match entertainment, Missy Higgins, was cancelled because of the heavy rain, with the AFL fearful of the damage a makeshift stage could cause on the turf.

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Etihad Stadium was slated as an alternative all week because Brisbane’s AFL team play there on Saturday afternoon in the timeslot after the AFLW Grand Final.

But instead of billing a double header, the AFL moved the AFLW Grand Final forward half an hour so Lions supporters could attend both matches.

While there may have been issues with ticketing — the AFLW Grand Final is free to attend — the AFL is clever enough to work its way around that.

A closed roof would have not only encouraged more fans to attend the match, but allowed for the best display of women’s footy possible.