A warm welcome for Suns in Cairns
IT may technically be an away game but today’s Round 15 match in Cairns couldn’t feel any more like home for the Gold Coast Suns.
The Suns will run out on to the field of Cazaly’s Stadium in front of a sea of red and gold to play the Western Bulldogs.
More than 1780km separates the Gold Coast and Cairns but the Suns’ connection with Far North Queensland runs deep.
The area is one of the Gold Coast’s assigned recruitment zones, along with northern NSW, and takes in Cairns and Townsville.
The AFL connection has created a booming Suns fan base from north Queensland, many of whom could make the Western Bulldogs feel very isolated in the home game.
And in a good spot of timing, Cairns product Jarrod Harbrow will be back in to the side, joining fellow local Charlie Dixon, after an injury lay-off.
About 11,000 people are expected to attend the game, 3000 of those from interstate, five years after the first Cairns game between the Suns and Richmond attracted just over 8000 fans.
More than 50 staff wearing the Gold Coast’s colours have created an increasing fan base for the club through their visible presence at school, club and community programs.
AFL Queensland chief executive Michael Conlan said a focus from the Suns on developing the region had created a spike in participation numbers.
“We have seen a significant growth of members coming out of the north because of the Gold Coast Suns,” Conlan said. “They fly the flag for us up there.”
Suns football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft said the club felt an affinity with the north Queensland city.
“From our point of view we love going up there,” Ashcroft said.
“We have had some success up there with our academy zone and some really good memories.”
Suns skipper Gary Ablett was absent from training earlier this week following his first game back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
But Suns coach Rodney Eade backed the captain to be at his best against the Bulldogs.
“He was a bit sore early in the week … but trained Thursday and is fine, he is ready to go,” Eade said.
He was a bit sore all over his body but trained Thursday and is fine, he is ready to go. SUNS COACH RODNEY EADE ON SKIPPER GARY ABLETT