This weekend, Gold Coast SUNS AFLW players Lauren Bella and Wallis Randell will get the opportunity to return to their hometown as they get ready to face Carlton at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

For these two locals, the game is more than simply a contest; it's a chance to re-establish ties with their community and inspire the area's future sports stars.

The significance of playing in Mackay for both Bella and Randell is an experience like no other and a rare opportunity to perform and play in front of friends and family.

“Mackay is a massive sporting town, so being able to bring and attract those events is really important,” Bella said.

“I always love being able to go home. I think it's so important to be able to play those sorts of games in front of regional crowds as well.”

Randell holds a special place in her heart for the region and is excited to see the support she gets from her hometown fans.

“I'm really excited. Obviously, we've got friends and family at home and love the support when we go there, we thrive in that environment,” Randell said.

“The partnership between the SUNS and Mackay is pretty cool for us. We're very lucky to have that, and the support we get at home is unreal.”

The SUNS coming off a tough loss last weekend, but both Bella and Randell assured SUNS fans they are committed to turning things around.

“We let them play their game and didn't really adjust, but we've gone to work this week on our craft and we’re ready to bounce back and show what we can do,” Bella said.

Randell emphasised the value of learning from their loss and underlined Bella's determination to get better.

 “Definitely not the way we wanted to start, but we've reviewed it, and we are looking forward to this weekend. It's a chance to make things right and perform in front of our home crowd,” Randell said.

The chance to promote Aussie Rules in their hometown, an area typically dominated by rugby league, excites both Bella and Randell.

“It's really great that the sport can grow, and we can impact the community up there, having the chance to play in front of a home crowd, especially in a place where AFL is still developing, is something we don’t take for granted,” Randell said.

Bella added, “We've had really great turnout in Mackay before, and the crowd we get there, it's not huge, but it's mighty. It's really good to go home and have that support.”

The excitement and expectation for this weekend’s match is building, and both Bella and Randell are already feeling the love from their community.

“I've already had a few messages from family and friends. It’s going to be exciting to play in front of them and show them what we’re capable of,” Randell said.

“It's a big family affair when we play in Mackay, and that just makes it even more special.”

Mackay locals will also have the opportunity to meet their AFLW stars in person before Sunday’s game, with a captain’s run training session at Great Barrier Reef Arena from 5pm on Saturday evening.

The SUNS will play at Great Barrier Reef Arena this Sunday, September 8^th against Carlton. Gates will open from 12pm (AEST) with the first bounce 1:05pm. If you can’t make it to the game, catch all the action on Fox Footy, Kayo & the Seven network (check your local guides).