World Footy News

The city of Cairns is currently in preparation mode for our next AFL match on Saturday. Whilst we are a little concerned about whether we will see more premiership matches here in 2014 and beyond (something which will be discussed at all levels post-game), the people of this far northern city and looking forward to a tremendous match.

 In 2009, the Gold Coast suns ran down the Essendon VFL affiliate, the Bendigo Bombers, with a goal in the dying seconds to steal the match. The match in 2010 provided one of the season’s genuine upsets when the Suns defeated the highly fancied Tigers by making better use of the howling gale that day. Then last year, the amazing Karmichael Hunt goal after the siren to win the game left an impression in everyone’s mind of what a great game was being bought to the city.

This latest press release from the AFL provides more details, as well as providing some momentum for future matches in Cairns from next year onwards.

 

Media Release from the Australian Football League

The countdown is on to the third Toyota AFL Premiership match to be played at Cazalys Stadium, Cairns this Saturday, July 13, from 4:40pm.

There has been a strong response from Tropical North Queensland AFL fans as well as fans from across the country with limited general admission tickets left to be purchased.

AFL Deputy Chief Executive officer Gillon McLachlan said the AFL has noted the growth of game in Tropical North Queensland over the past three years.

“The Round 16 match between Richmond and the Gold Coast SUNS has been selling extremely well and it’s testament to the work that both Clubs, AFL Queensland and AFL Cairns have done in the community over the past few years.

“This week we’ve already seen Gold Coast SUNS players Michael Rischitelli and Jack Martin, accompanied by AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn, travel to Bamaga and Thursday Island to deliver the No Boundaries program to school children.

“With support of the game growing in Northern Queensland, demand for tickets to the Round 16 match in Cairns is high so we encourage fans to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”

Brendon Gale, CEO of Richmond Football Club, has said the Club has been pleased with the support the match has gotten in its third year. “Bringing the AFL to Cairns has been a great success, and we have been pleased to be involved in these matches against the Gold Coast over the last three years.

“We have received outstanding support from AFL fans in the region, in particular from our Tiger fans, and we hope to see a full house at Cazalys Stadium this Saturday afternoon.”

Guy McKenna, Gold Coast SUNS senior coach, said the Club has thrived playing in North Queensland. “We have many fond memories playing in Cairns; Karmichael’s goal after the siren last year was arguably the single biggest highlight of last season.

“The victory over Richmond in Cairns was a turning point in our year and the catalyst to ending the year with real momentum. “Hopefully Saturday’s game produces another exciting finish for Gold Coast SUNS fans in North Queensland”.

Tropical North Queensland is part of the talent development region for the Gold Coast SUNS and there are currently 130players in the Academy program from Capricornia, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns.

The match will cap off a week full of AFL activities that started with a visit by the Gold Coast SUNS to Bamaga and Thursday Island on Cape York, the North Queensland Secondary Schools Cup competition, an AFL Queensland led coaching and leadership session and an open AFL Fan Day.