AFL fans in Tropical North Queensland are counting down to the AFL Premiership match between Richmond and Gold Coast to be played at Cazalys Stadium under lights from 4.40pm this Saturday.

There has been a strong response from fans across the region with almost thirty per cent of ticket sales to date from outside of Cairns including interstate. 

The match will receive a live national telecast of the match on Fox Sports, as well as three radio stations from interstate and print media covering the match.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Jann Stuckey said the match was a great boost for the region; last year attracting close to 11,000 people.

"Cairns will welcome thousands of AFL fans to the 2012 Toyota Premiership Match at Cazalys Stadium this weekend, continuing the success of the event for Tropical North Queensland - which last year delivered an economic impact of $3 million.

The match will cap off a week-long program of activity designed to engage and develop community football.  In addition to a series of three invitational matches against a team from Geelong College, 300 local students from 12 schools are competing in the North Queensland Secondary Schools Cup.

There is also a Leadership Forum for players in the representative teams and a Coaching Forum for local coaches both featuring players and coaches from Richmond and the Gold Coast SUNS.

Get sports news first on The Newsport Sport page.

Speaking ahead of a two-day trip to Cape York, AFL General Manager for National and International Development Andrew Dillon said it was great to be playing in Cairns.

"Playing an AFL match in major centres like Cairns gives the AFL the chance to build all levels of the game and work in with the local community.

"We have players teaching young kids about leadership, AFL level coaches sharing their knowledge with local coaches and hundreds of students with the opportunity to play competition AFL and learn about career options, all as a part of holding an AFL Match in Cairns, it's fantastic," he said.

There are still plenty of general admission tickets available for the AFL Premiership match. Patrons are encouraged to buy now to avoid the queues and take advantage of the free public transport.

Tickets are on sale from Cazalys Social Club, www.ticketdirect.com.au or by phoning 1300 798 550.  Prices start at just $20 for adults, $2 for kids 15 years or under or $40 for a family of four. Booking fees apply.