AFL leaders will lobby state and federal governments for a mid-sized boutique stadium in Brisbane.

The lack of a suitable home for the Brisbane Lions’ women’s team is seen as the only obstacle to its continued growth.

The AFL women’s competition has been a roaring success so far, and if the Lions finish top, they have hosting rights for the grand final.

But other than the 42,000-seat Gabba, there is no stadium in Brisbane suitable for a grand final.

Each year the Lions AFL side play pre-season games at suburban grounds, as they do not have access to the Gabba until the premiership season begins.

CEO Gillon McLachlan confirmed the AFL was formulating a national facility plan as adequate stadia were an issue in several states.

“Below the AFL men’s competition, venues for crowds in the 10-20 thousand (range) is a challenge,” he said.

The Lions women play their first home game on Saturday at a new $10 million complex at Brendale, but fear having to lock fans out.

The ground holds 3000 and the Lions expect more than double that.

Lions CEO Greg Swann said Brisbane was crying out for a “boutique” stadium.

The club is negotiating for a training and administration base near the airport and have mooted expanding it to include grandstands, lights and broadcast infrastructure.

“The success of the women’s league has highlighted the lack of a boutique 10,000-seat stadium,’’ Swann said.

“Not just for the women but the JLT (pre-season) series, NEAFL, local grand finals, rep footy ... it would get great use certainly from an AFL perspective.”