Queensland Bids to Host Inaugural AFLW Gather Round

A city in tropical north Queensland may soon be the backdrop for a historic AFLW event. Cairns Council, in collaboration with AFL Cairns, has put forward a bold bid to host the first-ever AFLW Gather Round.

Building on the momentum of securing a three-year deal with the Hawthorn AFLW team, Cairns aims to expand its footprint in the Australian football landscape. The proposed event would see all 18 AFLW clubs converge in Cairns for a single, action-packed weekend, a first for the region.

Deputy Mayor Brett Olds expressed strong support for Cairns as the ideal location for this landmark event.

“They would be foolish not to use what we have here in Cairns,” said Cr Olds. “We have arguably the best regional grounds in the country. We should be the number one pick on everyone’s minds.”

Cairns Regional Council, alongside AFL Cairns, envisions hosting the AFLW Gather Round at Cazalys Stadium, a venue well-regarded for its quality. The council aims to emulate the success of the AFL’s Gather Round, with Deputy Mayor Brett Olds, AFL Cairns General Manager Craig Lees, and Mayor Amy Eden spearheading the campaign.

“What the AFLW and NRLW do is go to the regional towns and play games in regional areas. So why wouldn’t you come to Cairns and use what we have to offer?” Cr Olds said.

Cazalys Stadium has a proven track record, having hosted AFL games from 2011 to 2022 and the first AFLW game in 2023. The region has seen a significant increase in participation, with a 9.98 percent rise in AFLW Cairns senior women’s competitions this season, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity.

The proposed round would feature four games at Cazalys Stadium, with additional matches in picturesque locations such as Port Douglas, Fretwell Park, Griffiths Park, and possibly Watsons Oval or Crathern Oval.

Hosting such an event would bring an influx of players, support crews, coaches, and staff to Cairns, translating to substantial economic benefits. Cr Olds emphasized the long-term impact on local businesses and tourism, drawing parallels to other events that have driven repeat visits to the region.

Advance Cairns Chief Executive Jacinta Reddan echoed the potential benefits for Cairns.

“I think it would be an excellent place to hold the first ever event of this magnitude in Cairns,” Reddan said. “Just look at how well Adelaide have done the men’s Gather Round, the business it brings, the tourism, the build-up. It would be wonderful to have Cairns as the showpiece for the AFLW to do the same thing.”

Cairns, renowned for its stunning mountain ranges, ocean views, Atherton Tablelands backdrop, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, offers a unique setting for the event. During the months of August to October, the region enjoys temperatures around 30 degrees, in stark contrast to the colder southern states.

As the bid gains momentum, the vision of transforming Cairns into a hub for women’s sport is becoming increasingly tangible. The AFLW Gather Round could not only bolster the local economy but also reinforce Cairns’ status as a premier destination for major sporting events.