Cairns kicks goals with successful AFLW deal
The Hawthorn Hawks will return to their northern nest in Cairns when they host St Kilda in Round 4 of the 2025 NAB AFLW season.
The Indigenous Round celebration match will take place at Cazalys Stadium on Saturday 6 September at 7.15pm, following local community activations in the lead up to the game.
The 2025 match continues a successful three-year partnership between the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games, Hawthorn Football Club, Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Mental Health Commission to bring elite women’s football to Far North Queensland.
Hawthorn CEO, Ash Klein, says their whole team is proud to be making a positive impact in Cairns.
“We very much see Cairns as our home away from home for our AFLW Hawks, and we’re incredibly proud to be bringing elite football to the region to help inspire the next generation of stars.
“Yet it’s our work in the community that makes us truly proud of our partnership, positively impacting the community off the field,” says Klein.
The collaboration aims to not only showcase professional sport in the region, but to inspire local communities and support the growth of women’s football in Cairns.
"Hawthorn’s ongoing commitment to Cairns has been instrumental in growing the women’s game, not just through premiership matches like this, but through the programs, support, and engagement they deliver across the region,” says AFL Cairns General Manager, Craig Lees.
“Partnerships like this inspire the next generation and continue to position Far North Queensland as a true destination for women’s sport. We’re looking forward to all of Cairns getting behind this game and aiming for a record AFLW crowd at Cazalys.”
Last year’s match saw Hawthorn secure a memorable 6-point win over the Melbourne Demons in Cairns, with the victory helping the Hawks to a spot in the top 4.
“It’s a privilege to welcome Hawthorn back to our Northern Nest for Indigenous Round, a match that celebrates culture, community, and connection through sport,” says Lees.
The September 6 clash will be Hawthorn’s second AFLW game in Cairns under the partnership deal.
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