AFL: When the Gold Coast Suns will make footy history

The Suns will make footy history in 2020, with the fledgling AFLW side hailing the looming first fixture as “one the club has been waiting a long time for”

HISTORY will be made for the Suns on February 8, with the fledgling AFLW side hailing the looming first fixture as “one the club has been waiting a long time for”.

The league yesterday released their draw for the eight-round 2020 campaign, the first in which Gold Coast will field a side.

The Suns have four home games; two at Metricon Stadium and one each at Southport Sharks (Fankhauser Reserve) and Great Barrier Reef Arena (Mackay).

Gold Coast’s head of women’s football Fiona McLarty said the club couldn’t wait to kick off their campaign against GWS at Blacktown International Sports Park.

“It’s a very exciting day and one the club has been waiting a long time for,” McLarty said.

“It’s great to have the draw in front of us and to know who and where we’ll be playing next year.

Gold Coast Suns AFLW players Jordann Hickey with teammate Kalinda Howarth on her shoulders. Picture: GOLD COAST SUNS

“The girls really have something to work towards having that game in mind against GWS at Blacktown in Round 1.”

Gold Coast fans will have their first opportunity to see their team live in action when Richmond come to town for Round 2 on February 15 at Metricon Stadium.

“It’s fantastic for us to have the opportunity to play at our home ground at Metricon Stadium,” McLarty said.

“To play a team like Richmond – another new team to the competition with a large supporter base – it’s a great opportunity for everyone and we can’t wait to see the crowd get out and support us.”

In Round 3 the club will begin their AFLW rivalry with Brisbane in what will be a blockbuster double-header for Gold Coast fans, with week one of the men’s Marsh Community Series also kicking off at Metricon Stadium.

The AFLW team will also play their first Friday night fixture when the Suns host Geelong in Mackay.

Gold Coast’s squad of 30 begin preparations for the 2020 season when pre-season starts in mid-November.

2020 Gold Coast SUNS AFLW Fixture:

Round 1 - Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast SUNS

Blacktown International Sportspark - Saturday Feb 8, 1:10pm

Round 2 – Gold Coast SUNS v Richmond

Metricon Stadium – Saturday Feb 15, 4:10pm

Round 3 – Gold Coast SUNS v Brisbane

Metricon Stadium – Saturday Feb 22, 4:10pm

Round 4 – North Melbourne v Gold Coast SUNS

Arden Street Oval – Saturday Feb 29, 5:10pm

Round 5 – Gold Coast SUNS v Geelong

Great Barrier Reef Arena – Friday Mar 6, 6:10pm

Round 6 – West Coast v Gold Coast SUNS

Mineral Resources Park - Sunday Mar 15, 2:10pm

Round 7 – Gold Coast SUNS v Adelaide

Fankhauser Reserve – Sunday Mar 22, 1:10pm

Round 8 – Melbourne v Gold Coast SUNS

Casey Fields – Sunday Mar 29, 4:10pm