Hawthorn AFLW will fly North for the next three years in a move that will develop the women’s pathway

Powerbrokers from AFL Cairns, Cairns Council and the Queensland Government have pulled off an incredible coup signing the first AFLW side to the region for the next three seasons.

Hawthorn Football Club’s top boss has welcomed a three-year extension for its AFWL side to play in Far North Queensland.

Hawks, the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council announced the major deal on Thursday.

It means Hawthorn’s womens side will play one game in Cairns for the next three seasons.

Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein said the club was proud to extend the multi-year collaboration.

“This is an incredibly valuable partnership in so many ways, from inspiring women and girls in the northern region to the game of Aussie rules, to fostering community connections to help drive wider health benefits,” Klein said.

“On the back of our successful pre-season camp in Cairns, followed by our historic inaugural AFLW match, we were proud to immerse ourselves within the Cairns community, as our players and coaches enjoyed such a rewarding experience alongside locals.

“We are looking forward to growing the brown and gold Northern Nest across the next three years with even more opportunities to engage with the footy-loving Cairns region and create a healthier, happier and more connected community.”

Hawthorn Hawks AFLW side will make Cairns their second home for the next three seasons. Picture: Supplied

The announcement comes off the back of the Hawks flying north to Cairns to stage their AFLW pre-season camp in 2023 before hosting the Richmond Tigers in the competition’s inaugural match at Cazalys Stadium.

As part of the deal, the Hawks will fly to Cairns in July for a pre-season camp and will then play their Indigenous round clash against Melbourne on Thursday October 24.

The deal will help foster elite women’s sport in the region and put Northern Queensland back on the map for all sports lovers.

The partnership also includes opportunities for Hawthorn to travel to the region and highlight AFLW pathways for the women and girls, as well as fostering social inclusion and broader community health benefits through the delivery of key initiatives.

AFL Cairns general manager Craig Lees welcomed the partnership.

“Hawthorn’s impact was profound in 2023, leaving a legacy in growing our great game,” Lees said.

“This collaboration is already making a significant impact on our community by promoting the growth of the women’s game and enhancing social inclusion in Northern Queensland.

“We are excited about the next three years and look forward to working with Hawthorn and the state government in providing wonderful opportunities to our Cairns community.”

Katie Brennan of the Tigers and Greta Bodey of the Hawks lead the teams onto the grounds ahead of 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)

The impact of Hawthorn’s AFLW presence has already been felt this season, with Hawks duo Emily Bates and Greta Bodey immersing themselves in the region to welcome the Port Douglas Crocs as the newest team in the Cairns AFLW competition.

Tourism and Sports Minister and Cairns MP Michael Healy said the win was a massive coup for the region.

“For the next three years we will get to see the brown and gold play an official home match at Cazalys Stadium,” Healy said.

“The AFLW Indigenous Round clash on Thursday October 24 this year will be highly anticipated in Cairns – with an incredible 380 per cent increase statewide in Queensland girls and women playing AFL.

“It’s a true showpiece event, and Cazalys Stadium is quite simply the best AFL oval in regional Australia.

“This is a wonderful investment in our tourism economy and women’s sport.

“For teams, support crew and the growing AFLW supporters, they will get to enjoy our great lifestyle and world-class visitor experiences.”

The news comes days after a bold play was launched for Cairns to become Hawthorn’s new second home from 2026.

Originally published as Hawthorn AFLW will fly North for the next three years in a move that will develop the women’s pathway