Council has thrown its support behind the AFLW Hawks holding one premiership game Cairns over the next three years with a $150,000 contribution.
Hawthorn Football Club, together with the Queensland Government and AFL Cairns, last week announced a three-year partnership extension to continue the brown and gold’s AFLW presence in the northern region.
The announcement comes of the back of the creation of the Northern Nest in 2023, also in collaboration with the Queensland Government, as a home away from home for Hawthorn AFLW to be based in the high-performance environment of Cazaly’s Stadium.
This year, the Hawks will host the Melbourne Demons in an AFLW premiership game on 24 October at Cazaly’s.
A further two AFLW premiership games, in 2025 and in 2026, are to be held between August and October.
As well as the premiership fixture, the Northern Nest includes community engagement to encourage involvement and provides pathway opportunities for young women who aspire to participate in AFL football.
The AFLW Hawks will get out and about in the region undertaking activities such as visits to AFL Cape York House and Yarrabah; host a ‘She Can Coach’ workshop and forum, conduct talent identification and football clinics, and take part in promotional activities for the region.