Footy legends of past gather for masters carnival

AUSSIE RULES

THE old boys of north Queensland footy will be on Cazalys Stadium this weekend for the annual Cairns masters carnival.

The local Cairns Stingers will be up against teams from Townsville and Airlie Beach as well as a strong contingent from Charters Towers.

Cairns now has two masters teams, with the traditional Holloways Beach training group now joined by a Fretwell Park crew led by Darren McQueen.

Cairns masters president Adam Ewart is expecting a competitive carnival this weekend.

“Masters footy is for fun and it’s always great to have quality opposition coming from down south. Playing at Cazalys Stadium is certainly a major drawcard for opposing teams,” Ewart said.

“It is an exciting time for masters footy in FNQ and we are hoping to be even stronger in the near future.”

Cairns coach Gavin Moyle is excited to have such an array of talented players at his disposal and is confident of extending his unbeaten run as coach.

Games start from 4pm on Saturday.

Meanwhile, AFL Cairns pre-season games get going this Friday night with a grand final replay.

The defending premiers, Port Douglas, make the trip south to play South Cairns from 6.30pm at Cazalys Stadium.

South Cairns were set to play Townsville club Curra Swans last month before the contest was cancelled due to oval conditions.

The Crocs will play the Cutters on Friday night before facing Manunda seven days later at the same venue.