GRAB GIANT AFL POSTER
Suns and Roos playing for keeps
THE Gold Coast Suns and North Melbourne Kangaroos are playing in Cairns on Saturday, but that does not mean they’re leaving their A-game down south.
AFL Cairns operations manager Craig Lees said the city could expect fierce rivalry between the two teams.
“From a performance point of view, both teams’ performances will be unexpected,” Mr Lees said.
“It will be a really competitive game, obviously, with a really supportive crowd.”
Mr Lees said he hoped Cairns fans would snap up the last remaining tickets for the game at Cazalys Stadium.
“We’re really proud of securing a round one game of footy for Cairns,” he said.
“It’s going to be a welcoming and inclusive night of footy, so we want to ensure locals support the game.”
Whitfield mother of three Lauren Tanis said her 12-yearold daughter, Ebony Bosch, had played for the North Cairns Tigers for five years.
Ms Tanis said going to AFL games helped spur Ebony to pursue her sporting dreams.
“She loves women’s AFL, she loves that that’s really taken off, and that’s her goal one day to get drafted.
“Seeing the AFL up here gives her that little bit more confidence, that drive to keep going.”
Ms Tanis and her family will be among the many AFL fans attending the Suns v Kangaroos clash at Cazalys Stadium on Saturday.
Mr Lees said people had to be smart when commuting to the game as Tills St at Westcourt would be closed prior to kick off.
Spectators are encouraged to use a free Sunbus park ‘n’ ride shuttle service from the Lake St bus terminal. Buses are leaving at 20 minute intervals from 3.30pm.
Return services to Lake St will begin at the completion of the game and continue for 90 minutes after the final siren.