More than 250 of the country's best female Australian rules players will battle for their states at Cazalys this week in the biggest tournament of its kind in the country.
In a massive nod for Cairns, it is the first time a non-capital city has hosted the AFL Women's National Championships.
AFL Cairns operations manager Sean Hunter said it was a justified move.
"The choice is apt; not only is AFL Cairns celebrating the Year of Women in Football, Cairns was the first regional city to have their own women's league and has been the pioneer for female participation in Queensland," he said.
"It's on the back of having a strong and consolidated women's comp; those who put the hard work into establishing that can be proud to say they've played a part in this tournament."
It's also a big plug for AFL Cairns and hopefully it runs well so we can hopefully go on to bigger and better things."
The tournament will also give the region another economic boost, with eight travelling sides based in Cairns for the next eight days.
"Accomodation, food, activities on their days off; it will help drive the tourism industry and get people talking about Cairns."
Hunter, who is also the assistant coach of the Queensland team, said his side would be out to stop defending champions Victoria from winning another AFL Championship Cup.
"They are the benchmark, the team everyone's out to beat," he said. The first female draft was held this year when Melbourne and Western Bulldogs played a one-off women's exhibition match this season.
Players from that, including first draft pick Daisy Pearce, will line-up for Victoria, while Western Australia and New South Wales should provide staunch opposition too.
Nine Cairns women were selected for Queensland, and with their games scheduled at 4.20pm tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday it provides locals with a great opportunity to watch them play.
Last Modified on 31/07/2013 15:51