WESTERN Bulldogs are considering an offer to replace Richmond as the AFL's team in Cairns.
The league is keen to continue stage matches at Cairns' Cazalys Stadium and has asked the Dogs to take over from the Tigers.
The move would see the Bulldogs host the Gold Coast Suns for one match each season in Far North Queensland.
Melbourne is negotiating to play two home games in Darwin next year and are keen to take over the second match from the Dogs, who have indicated they will no longer be playing at TIO Stadium.
The Bulldogs' 10-year arrangement to play home games in Darwin has ended.
But a deal would have to be inked soon in time for the release of the 2014 AFL fixture list, expected by the end of the month.
AFL Cairns acting operations manager Sean Hunter said a replacement team for the Tigers had not yet been confirmed, but he was hopeful a deal would be done soon.
"The Western Bulldogs are being touted as likely replacements but there has been no word from AFL headquarters so at the moment it's just speculation," he said.
But Mr Hunter said they would welcome the Bulldogs to Cairns, adding their young team would make for competitive matches against the Suns.
"We think it would be great because they're a young developing side and they showed this year they can play some good footy," he said.
"The matches against Gold Coast in recent times have been close and entertaining and that's what we'd want for Cairns.
"We're disappointed Richmond are leaving after building up a supporter base, but we're hopeful Western Bulldogs or another side can do that."
Richmond has walked away from the Cairns experiment after three seasons, committing to playing all home games in Melbourne.
The Tigers lost to the Suns at Cazaly's Stadium in 2011 and 2012 and sneaked home by nine points this season.
St Kilda has announced it will play one home game a season in New Zealand on Anzac Day for the next five years
Last Modified on 12/11/2013 09:58