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Sport

30 April, 2021

Cairns on show to AFL

ST KILDA co-captain Jarryn Geary and teammate Ben Paton are in Cairns experiencing the destination so they can entice their fans north when they return in early June with their team to play the Adelaide Crows.

By Peter McCullagh

St Kilda co-captain Jarryn Geary and teammate Ben Paton
St Kilda co-captain Jarryn Geary and teammate Ben Paton

Last year during the height of the COVID lockdowns, Cazaly’s Cairns hosted 3 AFL roster matches in thirteen days.


KEY POINTS:

  • Round 13 matchup St Kilda v Adelaide Crows

  • Exact playing time and date yet to be confirmed

  • Ground capacity expected to be 8,500 spectators

  • Tickets will be available June 3, 10am through Ticketek

  • TTNQ, Tourism Events QLD, AFL Cairns and Cairns Regional Council responsible for securing the game for Cairns


The Round 13 match up St Kilda against the Adelaide Crows will showcase the north to a strong following in Melbourne and Adelaide.

The Stadium seating plan has been re-designed to allow for 8500 spectators and it is anticipated more than 2000 interstate visitors will fly in for the game.

Jarryn Geary and Ben Paton were invited to Cairns to preview the sights and also promote the delights of Far North Queensland to fans in the south.

St Kilda co-captain Jarryn Geary was thrilled to get visit Cairns with his family.

“I’m here in shorts and Birkenstocks, and I expect to be wearing in 6 or 7 weeks (when we return in round 13). I know I would not be doing that in Melbourne I’d be rugged up, freezing cold and sitting by the fire.”

“There’s no better place to be in winter in Australia than in Queensland,” he said.

 Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen welcomed the opportunity to work with AFL Cairns, Tourism and Events Queensland and Cairns Regional Council to attract both teams for their round 13 clash.

 “The success of the AFL bubble last year when AFL teams played in Cairns and the great experiences enjoyed by the players motivated St Kilda to venture north for the game.”

 AFL Cairns Managing Director Gary Young said Cairns had always been popular with the players and it was it was exciting for locals to have a national game back in the region.

 “Eased restrictions mean Cazalys Stadium can double the capacity of the crowd numbers from last year giving more fans the opportunity to see game.”

 St Kilda co-captain Jarryn Geary was thrilled to get the early call up to Cairns alongside his family and teammate Ben Paton.

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 “We loved our time in Queensland last year, so to have the opportunity to play in Cairns will be a real highlight for the group,” Geary said.

 “I’ve been fortunate enough to bring my wife and two kids with me for a mini getaway thanks to Tourism Tropical North Queensland and we’ve loved every minute of it – it’s such a beautiful part of the world.”

 Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said it was wonderful to have the AFL coming back to Cairns.

“Last year, our city had the chance to host four AFL matches, and along with other great sporting events, such as Targa Great Barrier Reef, Ironman and the Women’s National Basketball League, it added to our city’s growing reputation as a sporting destination,” he said.

“I know that St Kilda is well known for its passionate fans and with no better time in the year to visit Cairns, we will be welcoming many of their supporters, as well as people travelling from South Australia to cheer on the Adelaide Crows.

“This game also provides ‘country kids’ a rare opportunity – the chance to see some of the game’s best up close.

“Cairns has a strong relationship with Tourism and Events Queensland, and along with Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Council is absolutely thrilled to play a part in hosting this AFL game.”

 The general public on-sale for the Round 13 match between St Kilda and Adelaide Crows at Cazaly’s Stadium will be on Thursday, June 3 at 10am through Ticketek.

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