Swann says Brisbane will play anyone, anywhere to win the flag
Brisbane Lions chief executive Greg Swann says his club will play anyone, anywhere to win a premiership.
Geelong coach Chris Scott called the current system of the MCG hosting every grand final "wrong" after he was asked about it on Saturday night, and highlighted the fact non-Victorian clubs had to work harder and travel further to win the premiership compared to Melbourne clubs.
Swann said there was nothing clubs could do to change the system due to the AFL signing a 40-year deal to keep the grand final at the MCG until 2057.
"The thing is you can't worry about it. It's locked away for 40 years. You just get on with it," Swann told 3AW on Sunday.
"It was a bit different how it happened, but it's happened."
Nine interstate teams have won grand finals in the 17 played between interstate and Victorian sides which shows interstate sides can find a way to win.
Swann said the Lions would play wherever they have to in their quest for a flag but would be happy to keep playing at home given they have only lost one game at the GABBA this season.
If they win their first final at home they will be in line to host a preliminary final.
"We are good up there [Brisbane] but we have a philosophy that we will play anywhere and take 'em on," Swann said.
"If we have to go to Perth or wherever we are confident we can do it."
While the MCG deal is locked away for the long term, Swann said he watched how the NFL assigned Super Bowl hosting rights with interest.
"The NFL effectively hire out who will host their grand final and it's very rare the team hosting makes the Super Bowl over there," Swann said.
"If you started this competition up from scratch you would probably do something like that, but this [the MCG] is the mecca of football and you play the grand final here. You accept it and hopefully we make it."
Swann was also asked about Luke Hodge's future and said that was unlikely to be made clear until the season finishes.
He also said he was personally in favour of offering Gold Coast Suns some assistance after their struggles this season whether it's a priority draft pick or some way to lure experienced players to the Suns.
"We haven't spoken about it as a club. I think they need serious help. Personally it wouldn't bother me,” Swann said when asked if the Suns should get a the top-two picks.