Cairns will transform into an AFL epicentre this week in the lead to the Western Bulldogs clash against Gold Coast, with a number of community events open to members and fans.
Whether looking to brush shoulders with your favourite Bulldogs player or finesse your own football skills, there is an event suited to supporters of all ages.
Bulldogs Chief Executive Simon Garlick said the Club was excited to bring their brand of football to Cairns and hope the locals embrace them in what will become a home away from home.
"We're really looking forward to playing a home game in Cairns this weekend and to be part of the AFL's commitment to growing the game across the country,” Garlick said.
“It's an exciting opportunity for our club to take the Western Bulldogs brand to a new market, and with it engage our existing Queensland based supporters but also attract a new breed of Bulldogs fans."
The Bulldogs will have to work hard to take the four points off the Suns, with the club boasting two wins from three games in what is becoming a happy hunting ground at Cazalys Stadium.
A number of community events have been scheduled in this week to showcase AFL to the local community.
Wednesday July 9
- 9am – 3pm: Juniors Boys and Girls Super Clinic (ages five to 12 years).
Griffiths Park, Monk Street, Manunda.
Free Event.
Thursday July 10
- 9am – 1pm: Youth Boys and Girls Super Clinic (ages 13 to 17)
Griffiths Park, Monk Street, Manunda
Free Event.
- 4:30pm: Western Bulldogs visits to local Junior AFL Clubs.
- 5pm – 6pm: AFL 9s Exhibition Game, Northern Events Lawn, Cairns Esplanade.
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, AFL 9s is suitable for people of any age of skill level. SEA FM personalities, Mark and Juanita from the Breakfast team, Chris “Dutchy” Holland and Chris Ivers will take on local AFL 9s players in this special match. The local community is welcome to join in the fun.
- 6:30pm – 8:30pm: AFL Coaching Masterclass.
Local accredited AFL coaches are invited to register to attend the AFL Coaching Masterclass where Western Bulldogs senior coach, Brendan McCartney and Gold Coast SUNS senior coach, Guy McKenna will be joined by AFL coaching legend, Kevin Sheedy as guest presenters.
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 visit the AFL Cairns website before Wednesday, July 9, 5pm.
Friday July 11
- 10:00am – 11:00am: Western Bulldogs Open Training Session
Cazalys Stadium
- 3:00pm - 4:30pm: Gold Coast SUNS Open Training Session
Cazalys Stadium
An autograph session for fans will happen along the boundary following each training session.
- 1:00pm – 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 12
- Gates open at 2pm with family activities in the AFL Playground
- 2pm Curtain Raiser Match – Gold Coast SUNS Academy Intra-Squad Match
- 4:40pm Round 17 Toyota AFL Premiership Match – Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast SUNS
