General News
21 July, 2023
The Hawks flying to Cazalys
HAWTHORN Hawks are returning to Cairns – this time to play an AFLW game for the first time in the Far North.
After Hawthorn held a pre-season camp and coaching sessions on Friday last week and over the weekend, it was decided to come back and play during the AFLW’s Indigenous round. Hawthorn will host Richmond Football Club in Cairns on Friday, October 20 under lights.
The Hawthorn v Richmond AFLW clash is tipped to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for Tropical North Queensland’s visitor economy and support good local jobs.
Tropical North Queensland’s First Nations communities will be celebrated during the AFLW Indigenous Round game at Cazalys Stadium.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said: “Bringing the AFLW to Cazalys Stadium for the Indigenous round is a wonderful investment in Tropical North Queensland’s visitor economy and women’s sport.
“The Hawthorn v Richmond game will be Cazalys first AFLW match and continues the stadium’s long-standing tradition of hosting elite, premiership Australian Rules Football.
“We know this match has amazing potential to inspire young girls and women in the tropical north to stay active, healthy and get involved in the game.”
AFL Cairns General Manager Craig Lees was rapt to be able to play host to the Hawks for a showpiece match, especially during such a special round on the calendar.
“AFL Cairns couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Hawthorn AFLW side for this momentous match at Cazalys Stadium. It’s a true showpiece event, especially during the prestigious Indigenous round on the AFLW calendar,” he said.
“Hawthorn Football Club’s positive culture made a remarkable impact in Cairns over the weekend, inspiring and uniting local footballers. Their meaningful interactions left an enduring impression, and our community is delighted to have reached a deal with our stakeholders which will see the Hawks return for a game during the regular season.
“We are proud to showcase our region’s passion for sport, and this game will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our community. It’s an occasion not to be missed.”
Hawthorn Football Club acting chief executive officer Ash Klein said: “We are delighted to take the next step in our partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, Cairns Regional Council and AFL Cairns by hosting an AFLW blockbuster game against Richmond at Cazalys Stadium.
“We know the Cairns community are passionate about our game and we look forward to seeing them come out in droves to support the brown and gold,” he said.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning welcomed the first AFLW fixture to be held in the Far North.
“Hosting an AFLW game for the first time in Cairns is a wonderful opportunity for our region,” he said. “This inaugural fixture is fantastic news for local girls and women players who will be inspired by seeing top-level female athletes at Cazalys Stadium.”
