Far North open as AFL hub option

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AFLQ CEO Dean Warren confirmed discussions with officials in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay had taken place around what potential content in these cities looked like over the remainder of 2020.

“It is so up in the air and complex at the minute, but clearly regional Queensland presents an opportunity because, thankfully, we have quality facilities in those cities,” Warren said.

“AFL Cairns has great experience in hosting games, and Townsville and Mackay have hosted content too. Clearly we have the facilities in regional Queensland, with accommodation options too.

“But, right now, nothing has been confirmed, but they are genuine options for us.”

Before Wednesday morning, local AFL officials had not heard from headquarters in some time about the potential of bringing 2020 premiership matches to Cazalys Stadium.

Everything changed as everyone within the AFL industry pushed full steam ahead to snare games or training hubs to complete the season.

While the Cairns venue has hosted AFL games over the last few years, the stumbling block for landing a larger hub – with a handful of teams – in FNQ is the lack of a second high level ground.

The AFL is keen for cities to have two or more venues which are AFL standard, for training, weights and recovery. With the Far North only having the one, with other local grounds not up to standard, the feeling is a smaller training hub for two teams is more likely.