AFL announce free entry to 2022 NAB AFL Women’s round one in Mackay

Footy fans keen for the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s round one here in Mackay have even more reason to be excited. Find out why.

Footy fans keen for the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s round one here in Mackay have even more reason to be excited with free entry for the highly anticipated match.

AFL’s generous move is in celebration of women’s football in the region.

AFL general manager Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said she was looking forward to watching Mackay embrace the competition when the Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants headed north for round one at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Suns player Lauren Bella. Photo: Glenn Hunt/Getty Images

Suns AFLW player Lauren Bella, born and raised in Mackay, encouraged everyone from her hometown to come out and experience the 2022 season kick-off on January 9 from 5.10pm.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to continue to grow our game in this region and really inspire the next generation of AFL and AFLW footballers in the region,” Bella said.
“Female football participation in Mackay has grown 20 per cent since the Suns AFLW team have been playing in my hometown and I want to continue to see that number grow.”
Bella said there were “no excuses” not to watch a blockbuster match “and cheer on my team, Mackay’s team, the Suns”.

Lauren Bella of the Suns in action during the AFLW practice match. The Mackay born player is encouraging everyone to come and support the match being played in Mackay on January 9. Photo: by Albert Perez/AFL, Getty Images

“I hope to see you all there,” she said.

Ms Livingstone said it was “incredibly exciting” to return to the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
“The blockbuster match lands during the school holidays, providing a great opportunity for Mackay locals and travelling football fans and families to attend the match for free,” she said.
“After two Covid- impacted years, we want to see as many football fans as possible flock to the Great Barrier Reef Arena to welcome football back to the sunshine state.”

All attendees must use the QR code and present their vaccine status on entry.

Originally published as AFL announce free entry to 2022 NAB AFL Women’s round one in Mackay