Premiers chance of FNQ visit

RECENT AFL premiers Richmond and the Western Bulldogs loom as the likely two clubs to fill the remaining slots for Cairns’ upcoming games.

With three teams on the way north revealed already, Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle, the AFL is yet to clarify when they will play at Cazalys Stadium, and who will play each other.

The block of Cairns games starts September 5, during Rounds 15-18.

The AFL yesterday said they would not announce Rounds 14-17 until later this week, with Round 18 potentially a floating fixture.

Bulldogs officials have indicated privately that they are a strong chance to head to FNQ for one game, while the AFL’s website yesterday afternoon mooted the Tigers as a potential visitor to FNQ.

The Dockers, who are certain to head to Cairns and stay in a hub, are yet to play Melbourne, Richmond and the Bulldogs, suggesting they will play at least two games at Cazalys.

The Bulldogs play Melbourne in Round 13 on the Gold Coast and have already gone up against Sydney.

The Swans are yet to play Melbourne and will face the Dockers in Round 13 before coming up.

Reigning premiers Richmond have not yet played the Dockers and could head north for one game.

Fremantle football boss Peter Bell says the opportunity to be in Cairns will add to the significant growth his team has already made in 2020.

“We were really pleased with the way our players and staff welcomed and embraced the move to the Gold Coast in June, and this will be no different,” Bell said.