Forced down the M1 to play the AFL Women’s grand final on the Gold Coast, Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich says the need for a boutique stadium in Brisbane is obvious.

While Starcevich says the stoush between the AFL and Stadiums Queensland that eventually led to the Gabba being deemed unavailable for the clash didn’t affect his players, he does believe the time is now for Brisbane to build a smaller multipurpose venue than is currently available.

A crowd of 15,610 was on hand at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast for Saturday’s decider between the Lions and Adelaide.

The success of the grand final has already got the AFL contemplating holding the match as a stand-alone event next year, between the end of the pre-season competition and the opening round of the men’s competition.

Starcevich says the turnout is all the evidence decision makers need to deliver the stadium he feels Brisbane needs.

“It certainly should fast-track things,” he said.

“Our best boutique stadiums in Queensland are here, if you like. There’s a couple up north as well – one in Townsville, one in Cairns.

“It’s about being smart about how we go about this.

“You don’t have to be at loggerheads, you can actually get something you need and satisfy a lot of people … there’s a definite need, put it that way.”