TO CELEBRATE women’s football in the region, the AFL has on Wednesday announced free entry for the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s Round One match between the Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

AFL General Manager Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said she is looking forward to witnessing the local Mackay community embrace the NAB AFL Women’s Competition when the Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants head north in round one.

"It's incredibly exciting to return to the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay for the opening round of the 2022 NAB AFLW season," Ms Livingstone said.

"The blockbuster match lands during the school holidays, providing a great opportunity for Mackay locals and travelling football fans and families to attend the match for free.

"After two COVID- impacted years, we want to see as many football fans as possible flock to the Great Barrier Reef Arena to welcome football back to the sunshine state."

Gold Coast SUNS AFLW player and the Mackay born and raised Lauren Bella, was encouraging everyone from her hometown to come out and experience the SUNS kick off the 2022 season.

"It’s an amazing opportunity to continue to grow our game in this region and really inspire the next generation of AFL & AFLW Footballers in the region," Ms Bella said.

"Female Football participation in Mackay has grown 20 per cent since the SUNS AFLW team have been playing in my hometown and I want to continue to see that number grow."

"There are no excuses now not to come out and watch a blockbuster Round One NAB AFLW Premiership fixture at Great Barrier Reef Arena and cheer on my team, Mackay’s team, the SUNS, I hope to see you all there.”

Please Note: All attendees must QR code and present vaccine status on entry.

Round one
Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants
Sunday January 9
5.10pm AEST
Great Barrier Reef Arena