The Gold Coast SUNS will return to tropical far north Queensland for a fourth consecutive year in 2014, with the Western Bulldogs set to replace it’s Darwin premiership fixture with a home game against the GC SUNS in Cairns. 

The Gold Coast SUNS have played for Premiership points on three occasions since 2011, building a passionate supporter base in the North Queensland AFL hot spot.

After finishing the North Queensland series down 2-1 to the Gold Coasters, Richmond made the decision not to extend their arrangement with Events Queensland and travel to Far North Queensland for the Cazaly’s Stadium clash.

While Richmond secured the premiership points in 2013, the Gold Coasters memorable first year win against the Tigers, followed by Karmichael Hunts after the final siren effort in 2012 are etched as two of the most memorable moments in minds of Gold Coast SUNS members around the country.  

Western Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick, said the opportunity to play in Cairns would give the Victorian-based AFL team a chance to continue the AFL’s association with Far North Queensland.

"While we will continue to work towards bringing all home fixtures back to Victoria, we are really pleased to be playing a home game in Cairns, and to be part of the AFL's continued growth in North Queensland in 2014," Garlick said.

"On balance, we have determined that it was in the Club's interests to host an interstate match in 2014, and we look forward to playing in front of new and old Bulldog fans alike."

AFL General Manager Broadcasting, Scheduling and Major Projects - Simon Lethlean, welcomed the Bulldogs decision to relocate their Top End fixture to it’s tropical counterpart. 

“The AFL is committed to growing our game across all parts of Australia and a match in northern Queensland is extremely important for the long-term development of the code and taking matches to fans who cannot access traditional capital city areas.

“The Bulldogs showed tremendous late-season form in 2013 and their meeting with the SUNS – a young team also on the rise – will be a keen test of the development of both clubs as they build towards competing for finals positions,” he said.