AFL Cairns masterplan for more footy

Hosting more blockbuster games in the Far North will be part of AFL Cairns’ big plans for the future.

The legacy Hawthorn leaves after hosting the first AFLW game at Cazalys Stadium will help bolster AFL Cairns’ mission to bring more elite footy content to the Far North.

The Hawks hosted Richmond in the first AFLW premiership game played in Cairns on Friday night, in a game which featured two footballers - Hawthorn’s Greta Bodey and Tiger Courtney Jones - who honed or got their starts at Saints in the AFL Cairns Women’s competition.

It it is the latest in a string of big-ticket events in this region which has proved Cazalys Stadium is up to the task of hosting major footy codes, which becomes crucial as the Gabba shutdown looms.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 21: The sun sets behind the Gabba stadium during game eight of the One Day International Series between India and Sri Lanka at The Gabba on February 21, 2012 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Gabba will be off-limits for years in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics as the venue undergoes a massive redevelopment, which will leave major tennants like the Lions, who just played in the AFL Grand Final, and Queensland Bulls homeless.

With construction expected to begin in 2025, Craig Lees believes Cazalys Stadium would provide the perfect solution to hosting AFL games while still providing an obstacle for interstate clubs travelling into the Far North’s tropic conditions.

“We know the Gabba is going offline in a couple years time,” he said.

“It’s a real opportunity to put our hands up to get Brisbane games up here.

“This is one of the best facilities in Australia and we want to have regular content here in Cairns.”

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 20: Courtney Jones of the Tigers with supporters after the round eight AFLW match between Hawthorn Hawks and Richmond Tigers at Cazaly's Stadium, on October 20, 2023, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Cairns MP and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the tourism benefits following the AFLW game were grand with future plans on the horizon.

“I’d say we would be talking millions (in benefits to the Cairns economy),” Healy said.

“What I can say is we just had a really positive meeting with some executives from the Hawthorn football club.

“The future is looking bright and we want to be apart of it.

“Events drive economic activity, they provide jobs and they build strong communities.

“Our sporting culture is very strong, we’d love to see events like the AFLW game happen more frequently.”

General Manager of AFL Cairns Craig Lees at Cazalys Stadium, Westcourt. Picture: Brendan Radke

Lees highlighted potential growth in tourism, retail and the hotel industry in the Far North if they were able to secure a partnership with the Lions in the next few years.

But the door is open to every AFL club, as it always has been.

Since the 2011 AFL season, Cairns has hosted an AFL game every year excluding 2019, and during the Covid-impacted 2020 season was the home to a hub.

Lees said the region was more than capable of hosting future AFL and AFLW events.

“The legacy (Hawks) are going to leave on the back of the community engagement since the pre-season camp and earlier this week has been first class,” Lees said.

“We’re advocating for a strong relationship to keep footy here in Cairns at this wonderful venue at Cazalys Stadium for years to come.

“This stadium brings so many smiles to so many faces, that’s what it’s all about that euphoria of being in the stadium and watching a live event.

“We will always advocate for our stadium, it helps our competition grow, it stimulates the economy and we will work with all departments to see if we can unlock more opportunities for this stadium.”

Originally published as AFL Cairns masterplan for more footy