HIGH FIVE AT SUNS

Gold Coast take pre-season games across the state

THE Gold Coast Suns will spread their JLT Community Series fixtures across Queensland and northern NSW.

The AFL has released the fixtures for the 2019 JLT Community Series pre-season com- petition, with the Suns scheduled to play the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, March 3 in Mackay and Sydney Swans on Sunday, March 10 in Lismore.

Gold Coast recently signed a four-year deal with the Mackay Regional Council to take games to Mackay.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be kicking off our 2019 campaign against the Western Bulldogs at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay,” Suns acting CEO Andrew Thomas said.

“This will be the second time the club has played a JLT Community Series game in Mackay.

“In 2017 we had great support from the community when we held on to beat Essendon by three points in a thriller and we are looking forward to that same level of support in 2019.

“Last month we welcomed Mackay Regional Council as a partner of our women’s programs and we are pleased to be able to bring further content to Mackay.

“We have been pretty vocal in saying that the Gold Coast Suns are committed to continuing to grow the game of AFL throughout north Queensland; the region is a significant part of our talent academy and we value that we’re able to provide a pathway for young and aspiring junior footballers, both boys and girls.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said bringing the match to Mackay was a win for local tourism.

“The people of Mackay love their sport. It will be great to see the Gold Coast Suns make their mark with another AFL pre-season match in 2019,” Ms Jones said.

“We know this event will give a great boost to the local tourism industry. We hope footy fans travelling to the region to watch the game stay in Mackay and experience more of what the region has to offer.”