School kids at East Brisbane State School boot the footie around in the play ground, oblivious that they scrimmage beneath the shadow of the gargantuan Gabba. On the other side of the fence and inside the hallowed turf, freshly cut grass smells like spring, all 42,000 seats sit empty in anticipation and a comforting quiet falls like a cool shadow over the stadium. Famous footballers and cricketers may come and go, but the Brisbane Cricket Ground, or the “Gabba” to locals, has a life of its own.