Cairns has received a resounding thumbs up as organisers of the 2009 AFL Masters National Carnival visited the city ahead of the tournament's staging in October. AFL Masters general manager Neil King was in Cairns yesterday inspecting accommodation, operational facilities as well as the carnival’s two playing venues – Cazalys and the still developing Watsons No. 2 Oval
Cairns last hosted the national masters in 2004 but this year’s incarnation will be bigger with 46 teams and more than 900 players expected to make the trip.
King said the successful running of the event five years ago made the Far North an attractive location to revisit.
"We had such a great time when we were here last," he said.
"This location was actually pushed by the players as being the most popular spot so we started discussions with AFL Cairns.
"It’s all looking pretty good at the moment and I’ve been impressed with how supportive council have been."
North Queensland will be represented at the carnival for the first time with sides turning out in each of the over-35, over-40, over-45 and over-50 age groups
While the draw has not been finalised, King hoped to open proceedings with a match capable of capturing local interest.
"We want to play an opener at Cazalys on the Thursday night and the way it’s stacking up we might have that opening game as North Queensland versus Victoria," he said.
"Everybody likes to beat Victoria. They are the team that likes to think they are best but North Queensland’s numbers and quality is stacking up quite high."
The AFL Masters National Carnival runs from October 2-8
Read more at: http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/07/31/55205_local-sport-news.html
Last Modified on 31/07/2009 12:43