There has been a strong response from Tropical North Queensland AFL fans as well as fans from across the country with limited general admission tickets left to be purchased.

AFL Deputy Chief Executive officer Gillon McLachlan said the AFL has noted the growth of game in Tropical North Queensland over the past three years.

“The Round 16 match between Richmond and the Gold Coast SUNS has been selling extremely well and it’s testament to the work that both Clubs, AFL Queensland and AFL Cairns have done in the community over the past few years.

“This week we’ve already seen Gold Coast SUNS players Michael Rischitelli and Jack Martin, accompanied by AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn, travel to Bamaga and Thursday Island to deliver the No Boundaries program to school children.

“With support of the game growing in Northern Queensland, demand for tickets to the Round 16 match in Cairns is high so we encourage fans to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”

GC SUNS senior coach Guy McKenna says the Gold Coasters have thrived playing in North Queensland. 

“We have many fond memories playing in Cairns; Karmichael’s goal after the siren last year was arguably the single biggest highlight of last season.

“The victory over Richmond in Cairns was a turning point in our year and the catalyst to ending the year with real momentum.

“Hopefully Saturday’s game produces another exciting finish for Gold Coast SUNS fans in North Queensland”.

The match will cap off a week full of AFL activities that started with a visit by the Gold Coast SUNS to Bamaga and Thursday Island on Cape York, the North Queensland Secondary Schools Cup competition, an AFL Queensland led coaching and leadership session and an open AFL Fan Day. The Grand Final of the North Queensland Secondary Schools Cup will be played at 2pm as the curtain raiser to the Toyota AFL Premiership match at Cazalys Stadium.

The Toyota AFL Premiership match between Richmond and the Gold Coast SUNS is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events across the State.

General admission tickets for the Toyota AFL Premiership match are on sale from Cazalys Social Club,www.ticketdirect.com.au or by phoning 1300 798 550. Prices start at just $22.50 for adults and $5 for kids 15 years of age or under. Booking fees apply. Patrons are encouraged to buy now to avoid the queues and take advantage of the free public transport. 

For information about the match, public transport and parking visit cairns.aflq.com.au or call 07 4042 3000 during business hours.