Great Barrier Reef Arena to host AFLW: Gold Coast Suns and St Kilda Saints

Two of Mackay’s finest AFL products will play one of their first games together in their hometown, when the Suns take on the Saints. Read why this game will paint a picture of what the Great Barrier Reef Arena could become.

GBRA Gold Coast Suns Lauren Bella.

Two Mackay AFLW stars could play one of their first games together in their home city, and the game could act as another example of what a fully-developed Great Barrier Reef Arena could create for the region.

Gold Coast Suns ruckman Lauren Bella and new draftee Alana Gee could play three games together before the September 17 clash with the Saints at Great Barrier Reef Arena comes around.

AFL general manager competitions Laura Kane said the fixture released Monday was about prioritising a blend of blockbuster games and regional stadiums such as GBRA to ensure all fans wanting to watch AFLW were accommodated.

“We’ve fixtured some of the biggest matches at metro stadiums, with the Gabba, SCG, Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval set to host local derbies in Season Seven,” she said.

“We’re also playing at suburban grounds, bringing the game closer to even more fans, with matches in Ballarat, Warrnambool, Mildura, and Mackay.”

While Bella has been Mackay’s greatest success story in the AFLW, Gee has been viewed as her successor since first picking up the game at 14.

Lauren Bella of the Suns is tackled by Lisa Steane of the Giants during the round one AFLW match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on January 09, 2022 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Selected by the Suns with pick 19 at last week’s draft in Melbourne, Gee is a hardworking, skilful midfielder.

A strong ruck-to-mid connection between the two Mackay women could prove pivotal in lifting the Suns into finals contention, after narrowly missing out in their first season of 2022.

Alana Gee of the Suns speaks with media during the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft Media Opportunity at Marvel Stadium on June 30, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

In their last game in the Sugar City, the Suns fell short to the GWS Giants by 15 points.

Bella was among the side’s best players in the game.

Gee is no stranger to the turf at GBRA from her time with the North Mackay Saints and a game in front of her home supporters will be something she will have saved in the calendar.

AFL executive general manager finance, clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said the 2022 NAB AFLW Season Seven fixture was a major win for footy fans and supporters of women’s football.

“We’re introducing more double-headers, with back-to-back games across both women’s and men’s played on Friday nights throughout the season,” he said.

Harrup Park Country Club has released concept images depicting stage 2 of its expansion plans for the Mackay venue. Picture: Harrup Park

“The Saturday games throughout September will be floating times, enabling double-header fixtures during the AFL Final Series in the men’s competition.

“We’re doing everything we can to give AFLW fans the best experience and opportunity to support their favourite team.”

For Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young, the AFLW announcement partnered with the success of the joint Confraternity and QISSN carnival nearby, were evidence of what a fully-developed Great Barrier Reef Arena could become.

“It is not about Harrup Park and the GBRA it is about being a community facility and a regional approach, and stage two is part of that regional approach,” Mr Young said.

“We want to give facilities that we don’t currently have or build on facilities that we do have to get them to a level where we can attract those kinds of things more often because they are a significant driver for our economy.”

Despite “very positive meetings” with different people within government, stage two is yet to receive funding.

Stage one is about 45-50 per cent complete, with it being the spectator seating, professional player and match broadcast facilities.

Mr Young was hopeful the project will be ready for use by the end of the year.

Harrup Park Country Club has released concept images depicting stage 2 of its expansion plans for the Mackay venue. Picture: Harrup Park

Stage two will cover several aspects including community sport, training, education and high performance, that will ultimately be for the community to use 360 days of the year.

Not only would it be an avenue for sport tourism by securing more elite events, but large carnivals for the region as a whole.

Mackay Regional Council estimate the carnival drew in 5000 out-of-region visitors and led to a $4.455 million economic injection.

Originally published as Great Barrier Reef Arena to host AFLW: Gold Coast Suns and St Kilda Saints