HOLY GRAIL ON ITS WAY

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR DOGS V SUNS

THE AFL premiership cup is on the way to the Far North with the Western Bulldogs to bring their most prized possession with them to Cairns in July.

Bulldogs defender Roarke Smith let the cat out of the bag yesterday morning as tickets officially went on sale for the Round 18 AFL match between the Bulldogs and the Suns on July 22 at Cazalys Stadium.

The 2017 game will be the seventh straight year an AFL game will be played at the venue with Smith keen to show off their silverware to all Aussie Rules followers in Cairns.

“Coming up this year to Cairns as premiers is obviously a good feeling,” Smith said.

“We are bringing the cup up as well so it will be good for the fans to see. The players, coaches and staff enjoy coming to Cairns to escape the southern winter as conditions are ideal in late July for football in this part of the world.

“We have also forged a great connection with the region thus far through our regular community and school visits and the players are grateful for the reception they’ve received to date by committed fans from across the country.”

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning with Sun Sam Day, Bulldog Smith and AFL Cairns boss Gary Young launched ticket sales yesterday.

This year, corporate packages start from $85 in the Sportsman’s Bar located on the 50m arc of Cazalys Stadium.

Fans can also buy tickets into the match day function where five of the attendees will be selected for a “money-can’tbuy-experience” gaining access to the Gold Coast Suns change room in the lead-up to the bounce. For details on all corporate functions and hospitality, visit aflcairns .com.au or call 4042 3000 General admission and grandstand tickets are available online at Ticket Direct, ticketdirect.com.au