FOOTY fans in the Douglas Shire can grab tickets to the AFL Premiership fixture between Gold Coast Suns and Western Bulldogs in Cairns with early bird tickets now on sale.

The red-hot Gold Coast Suns and Western Bulldogs will play what is shaping as a bumper match in round 17 at Cazaly’s Stadium with tickets selling at early bird prices between now and April 30. Both sides sit inside the top four after two rounds and are playing exhilarating footy.

Western Bulldogs CEO David Stevenson was in Cairns to announce the ticket launch, saying his club was keen to build on its relationship with fans in Tropical North Queensland.

“The Club is proud to return to Cairns for the third consecutive year to showcase AFL football in North Queensland,” Stevenson said. 

“We have forged a great connection with the region thus far through our regular community and school visits and are grateful for the reception we’ve received to date by committed fans from across the country. 

“The game at Cazaly’s Stadium has become a fixture we look forward to and we hope to put on an exciting display in front of a vibrant, and energetic crowd when we return in July.”

Gold Coast Suns CEO Andrew Travis said the Cairns region acted as an important base for his clubs Talent Academy as they attempt to attract more budding stars from the area.

“As a club we have established a significant foothold in the developing AFL region, which acts as a key recruitment catchment for the Gold Coast SUNS Talent Academy,” Travis said.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning was thrilled to welcome back the Bulldogs and the Suns and said bringing elite sport to Far North Queensland was important given the strong sporting culture of the Cairns area.

“We value the opportunity to see top quality football on our own home turf,” Manning said. 

“It’s these events that help to inspire the next crop of sportspeople and grow the popularity of the sport in our region.

“I hope the Cairns community will embrace this opportunity and take advantage of the early bird tickets.”

The match will be played under lights for the first time. For more information and to purchase tickets visit TicketDirect.com.au