AFL passion arrives in Cairns this week with a full program of community events in the lead up to the Round 15 Toyota AFL Premiership match between the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast SUNS at Cazalys Stadium on Saturday, July 11.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said the AFL was pleased to see North Queensland sports fans embracing the match for a fifth consecutive year.
“In recognition of the fantastic support we continue to receive from North Queensland AFL fans, the AFL is pleased to bring, for a fifth straight year, another Toyota AFL Premiership Season match to Cairns.
“With the support of the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, alongside Cairns Regional Council, it’s great that regional centres, such as Cairns, are able to experience top-flight Australian Football live in their own cities.
“It’s also wonderful to see that both Clubs will spend time in the North Queensland community through visits to Junior Clubs, School Holiday Clinics and local hospitals amongst other events planned during the week.
“Tickets to Saturday’s match are selling fast, so we encourage supporters to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment,” Mr McLachlan said.
This is the fifth year Cazalys Stadium, Cairns has hosted a Toyota AFL Premiership fixture match and the second time the Western Bulldogs have hosted a home game in Queensland.
Acting Western Bulldogs CEO Michael Quinn said the Club enjoyed playing for the first time in Cairns last year and was looking forward to another successful outing on Saturday.
“Our commitment to playing in Cairns provides us with a great opportunity to strengthen our ties with Bulldogs fans in Queensland, and also to connect closely with fans that make the journey up.
“We’re looking forward to returning to Cairns and building on what was a successful maiden visit last year for our Club,” Mr Quinn said.
Saturday’s match will see the Gold Coast SUNS play at Cazalys Stadium for a fifth consecutive year as the away Club.
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Andrew Travis welcomed the side’s upcoming Toyota AFL premiership match against the Western Bulldogs at Cazalys Stadium.
“We always look forward to returning to Cairns for what promises to be another exciting tour for AFL football in Far North Queensland,” he said.
“As a club we have established a significant foothold in the developing AFL region, which acts as a key recruitment catchment for the Gold Coast SUNS Talent Academy.
“From annual community camps to pre-season games and AFL premiership fixtures, the Gold Coast Football Club will continue to support the growth of AFL in Far North Queensland,” Mr Travis said.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the Cairns community was looking forward to welcoming the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast SUNS back to the Far North.
“It’s great to have these two teams back in Cairns to entertain and inspire our local community.
“I encourage fans to take this great opportunity to get out to the game and the supporting program of events and share in the experience of hosting this top-level sporting event on our home turf,” Mayor Manning said.
A number of community events have been scheduled this week to showcase Australian Football to the local community.
Wednesday July 8
• 9am – 3pm: School Holiday Camp for boys and girls aged 5 to 12 years.
Griffith Park, Monk Street, Manunda.
$50 per child and limited to the first 100 participants
To register: visit aflcairns.com.au OR call 07 4042 3000
• 5pm – 6pm: McDonald’s AFL 9s Exhibition Match (social mixed teams)
Fogarty Park, Esplanade, Cairns.
Free Event
For further information: visit aflcairns.com.au OR call 07 4042 3000
McDonald’s AFL 9s is a fast, free-flowing game that involves nine players on each team playing on a smaller field. With no tackling or bumping, McDonald’s AFL 9s is suitable for people of any age of skill level. The local community is welcome to join in the fun.
Thursday July 9
• AFL Queensland will be hosting Children with a Disability Clinic with modified activities for both boys and girls.
For further information: Call 07 4042 3000
• The Western Bulldogs will spend time at seven Junior AFL Clubs throughout Cairns, teaching skills and meeting local players.
For further information: Call 07 4042 3000
• 6:30pm – 9:30pm: AFL Coaching Masterclass.
Local accredited AFL coaches are invited to register to attend the AFL Coaching Masterclass where Western Bulldogs senior coach, Luke Beveridge and assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa will present to the group along with members of the Gold Coast SUNS Football Department.
The AFL Coaches Masterclass is open to all senior, junior and women’s AFL accredited coaches and any school-based and aspiring AFL coaches in the Far North Queensland region. The session is free but spaces are limited so interested attendees are encouraged to ring the AFL Cairns office before midday on Thursday.
For further information: Call 07 4042 3000
Friday July 10
• 10:00am – 11:00am: Western Bulldogs Open Training Session
Cazalys Stadium
• 3:45pm – 4:30pm: Gold Coast SUNS Open Training Session
Cazalys Stadium
An autograph session for fans will happen along the boundary following each training session.
• 2:00pm – 5:00pm: A free AFL Fan Day will be held at Cazalys, in conjunction with the AFL Club open training sessions, where fans and supporters can participate in activities within the AFL Playground, purchase AFL merchandise and listen to the live SEA FM broadcast.
Saturday July 11
• Gates open at 2pm with family activities in the AFL Playground
• 2:05pm Curtain Raiser Match – Gold Coast SUNS Academy North Queensland Squad vs Cairns Colts Squad
• 4:35pm Round 15 Toyota AFL Premiership Match – Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast SUNS
• Post-match Kick-to-Kick on-field (weather permitting)
Ticket Information
General admission and limited grandstand tickets are still available for the Round 15 2015 Toyota AFL Premiership match via the below:
• Online at Ticket Direct www.ticketdirect.com.au
• By phoning 1300 798 550
• Cazalys Social Club, Mulgrave Road, Cairns
Patrons are encouraged to buy now to avoid the queues and take advantage of the free public transport.
Ticketing prices are outlined below:
General Admission*
Adult – $25.50
Concession – $18.50
Junior – $9.00
Family – $60.00
Upper Grandstand (Premium)*
Adult – $55
Concession – $45
Child – $35
Family – NA
Lower Grandstand, including behind the goals*
Adult – $38
Concession – $28
Child – $18
Family – NA
*Additional booking fees apply.
For information about the community events, match, public transport and parking visit aflcairns.com.au or call 07 4042 3000 during business hours.
The Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, is proud to support the Toyota AFL Premiership match in Cairns as part of Queensland’s It’s Live! events calendar, which highlights the perfect union of world-class events and destinations throughout the state.
Cairns Regional Council – proud to bring the big events to Cairns.
