Call to back big game
CAIRNS Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning has challenged Aussie rules followers to equal the crowd of last year’s NRL game when the Western Bulldogs face the Gold Coast in July.
Manning, with Sun Sam Day, Bulldog Roarke Smith and AFL Cairns boss Gary Young, launched ticket sales for the Round 18 AFL match between the Bulldogs and the Suns for July 22 at Cazalys Stadium yesterday morning.
When the Dogs hosted the Suns last year in the Far North, just 8509 turned out for the contest with the 2017 game’s crowd crucial to the longevity of elite games in the region.
The South Sydney home match against North Queensland drew 15,000 fans to Barlow Park in 2016 with Manning keen to see those numbers at Cazalys Stadium to watch the reigning premiers.
“Last year the crowd was down a bit but there is no reason this year why we should not have a bumper crowd at Cazalys,” Manning said.
“At the end of the day, that crowd is what it is all about.
“If you do not get crowds, you do not get the game.
“Last year we had 16,000 or so for the NRL game and it would be lovely for the AFL and the people of Cairns to back it.”
The AFL, the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, Cairns Regional Council and AFL Cairns only have a oneyear deal to bring AFL footy to the Far North with the Bulldogs looking to play two games in Victoria’s Ballarat in 2018. Smith, who is out for the entire 2017 season after tearing his ACL for the second time, said the Bulldogs enjoy their annual trip north.
“The boys have not lost up here yet, they love coming up here and getting a bit of sun,” Smith said.
“We get away from the Melbourne cold.
“It is always a good game in Cairns – we had a miraculous comeback last year which was sick.”
Young said the region was excited to welcome back the reigning AFL Premiers.
“The match has built momentum over the years and every game has been actionpacked, with excellent attendance numbers,” Young said.
“As the Bulldogs are returning as the reigning Premiers I would suggest local and interstate supporters get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.
“This match is likely to be a sellout. To have the reigning Premiers in Cairns is an outstanding bonus for AFL fans in Tropical North Queensland.” General admission and grandstand tickets are available for the Round 18, 2017 AFL Premiership Season match via: Online at Ticket Direct www.ticketdirect.com.au