AFL fans in the Far North will finally get their piece of the action when the first of at least three AFL games to be played in Cairns kicks off today.

The Sydney Swans and Melbourne Demons will clash at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns at 4.40pm this afternoon.

Melbourne will then take on the Fremantle Dockers on Monday night before Sydney and the Brisbane Lions clash on Sunday 13 September.

Venues and times for round 18, the last round of the season, have yet to be announced and there are hopes that Cairns will see another game in that round in mid-September.

Avid AFL fan and President of the Port Douglas Crocs, Barry Lea, will be heading down to today’s game and said having the AFL in the Far North is a rare opportunity for fans and players to see elite sport in action.

“There is a fairly large local supporter base heading down to Cairns this afternoon,” he said.

“The Crocs even rearranged their training session this week so they could have Thursday off to head down.”

Mr Lea said having the AFL in the Far North will be great for growing the sport in the region and he hopes it will inspire the next generation of AFL stars.

“To have these guys on our doorstep is really great and it gives people up here the opportunity to get involved and hopefully families that haven’t tried AFL before will want to try it out.

“Queensland has been unbelievably welcoming to AFL and we have seen that reflected recently in just the sheer numbers of junior players taking up the game.

“It’s great for Far North Queensland and the AFL.”

Games at Cazaly’s Stadium

Round 15
3 September
Sydney Swans v Melbourne Demons
Gates open 3.30pm, game starts at 4.40pm
Very limited Tickets left

Round 16
7 September
Melbourne Demons v Fremantle Dockers
Gates open 6.00pm, game starts 7.10pm
Very limited Tickets left

Round 17
September 13
Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions
Games starts 6.10pm
Tickets go on sale on Ticketek Friday 4 September