This year’s clash between the Hawks and the Saints formed part of the AFLW Indigenous Round, adding even more significance to the evening.
Cairns has a strong grassroots AFL culture, with seven senior clubs and nine junior clubs, bringing together more than 2,500 men, women, and young people who play the game we all love. Importantly, there has been an incredible 380% surge in female participation across Queensland, a growth that is being fuelled by both local inspiration and the exposure that comes from elite-level games being played right here in FNQ.
We are proud of our local AFLW stars and rising talent. Poppy Boltz, who grew up in Cairns, now plays for the Brisbane Lions, while Heidi Talbot from North Cairns was drafted by the Gold Coast Suns in the 2024 AFLW draft. Our region is also producing the next generation of stars, with Zenzi Arnold and Ella Campbell (10–12 years), Lacey and Savannah Bell (13–15 years), and Renee Ford and Mistee Sagigi (16–18 years) all representing Queensland this year.
A huge thank you once again to AFL Cairns for their dedication to sport in our region, and to Cairns Regional Council for backing events that bring so much to our community. The Hawks’ Northern Nest is more than a game — it’s about connection, pride, and opportunity for FNQ.
