Richmond and the Gold Coast will return to Cazalys for an AFL rematch on July 14 in front of more than 13,000 fans and at a later timeslot than the inaugural afternoon clash last season. A 4.40pm first bounce will mean the game finishes under lights and avoids the hottest period of the day. And the trademark Cazalys breeze that was in full force last season when the Suns came from behind to beat the Tigers should also be less of a factor with the later timeslot.
"It’ll be cooler for everyone and that transition from day to night provides a great spectacle," AFL Cairns president Gary Young said. That twilight zone is a good time to be playing footy and the wind abates as the day goes on (meaning there should be more action at both ends of the ground)."
Both clubs were quick to talk up their return to Cairns at the release of the draw yesterday.
"We saw during last year’s match against Richmond at Cazalys that we have a really strong supporter base in Far North Queensland and this match will add to the work we already undertake in the area," Suns CEO Travis Auld said. "The club invested considerable time post season, working with our members, corporate partners and supporters to gauge their feedback following our inaugural year in the AFL and the number of twilight time slots we have received next season are a direct result of that feedback."
Richmond, who again bring their home fixture to the Far North, were keen to continue the partnership.
"Overall, we are content with the way the fixture has panned out for us, from both a football and commercial viewpoint," Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said. "We are also excited about continuing to assist with the growth of the game by playing a home match in Cairns for the second year in a row."
The ground will hold about 2500 more spectators this year after easily accommodating the 11,000 in attendance last year. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh hailed the economic benefits of the deal to bring AFL matches to Cairns.
"The Queensland Government is proud to support the first twilight broadcast of the Toyota AFL Premiership match between Richmond and the Gold Coast Suns," she said.
Ms Bligh said she was sure the event would be a resounding success.
Read more at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/10/29/188745_local-sport-news.html
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 31/10/2011 13:16