AFL tickets forCazalys sale

“To have Victorians and South Australians fly in for the game; we expect more than 3000 to come to the game from interstate.”

Prior to 2018, crowds of around 9000-11,000 (Richmond vs Gold Coast 2013) were routine at Cazalys.

Saints back Ben Paton was stuck in a moon boot when his team played in Cairns last year.

The 23-year-old said he could not be keener to be back in playing form and explore what the Far North has to offer.

“Last year it was disappointing to go to Cairns and not get to enjoy everything about it,” Paton said.

“We might go out, go fishing – it’ll be good for the players and their families to get around for a couple of days post game (because) we go into that mid-season bye after that.”

With the competition’s profile well on the rise in the Far North, Lees anticipated a huge turnout from the AFL Cairns teams.

“We’re really strong with coaches on that – to get along and watch the players play,” he said. “Importantly, it’s an opportunity to see the workrate of the players and what they do when the TV’s not on them.

“The game of footy is so complex so we speak to our players about their workrate and what happens off the ball … the only way you really get to capture that is by watching games live and being able to learn from your heroes.”

Upgrades to the stadium and annual AFL games are still on the agenda, April’s game will serve as a solid litmus test for what Cairns can handle.

“We’re looking closely at building that relationship with St Kilda and those conversations are ongoing with TTNQ and TEQ,” Lees said.

“Hopefully, we can announce something towards the back end of the year but we’re really excited about longevity into this contract.”

You can get tickets for the game at