The season will commence in the men’s competition on Saturday 13 April, highlighted by a Preliminary Final rematch between the Cairns Saints and North Cairns Tigers at Watsons Oval. Reigning Seniors Premiers, Port Douglas, will commence their pursuit for back-to-back flags with a road game against a revamped Cairns City Lions outfit, whilst the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs Development side will unfurl their flag at home against the Manunda Hawks.

The Chemist Warehouse Women’s Competition will begin action on Saturday 20 April, with the Manunda Hawks looking to repeat their efforts from last year as they begin their campaign against their Preliminary Final combatants from 2023, the South Cairns Cutters.

AFL Cairns General Manager, Craig Lees, highlighted the talent that will be on display in the 2024 season and the continued commitment to community engagement at the launch event.

‘The upcoming 2024 season promises to be an exhilarating journey. Our clubs have worked exceptionally hard in the offseason to maintain and recruit top-tier talent.

‘As a league, we are excited again to use the vehicle of footy to connect with our community. We are thrilled to bring back Mental Health Round, supporting OzHarvest through our Cause for Celebration Round in partnership with Cazalys, and present a bigger and better Legacy Round.’

We will also have regular fixtures, Indigenous Round and Pride Round, celebrated throughout the year, and the Manunda Hawks will be hosting the North Cairns Tigers on the Cairns Show Public Holiday on Friday 19 July.

Port Douglas are in the process of preparing a team submission in the Chemist Warehouse Senior Women’s competition, which Lees highlighted would be a significant accomplishment for the competition to have all seven senior clubs represented in both the men’s and women’s grades if it’s approved.

‘We look forward to working with Port Douglas over the coming months to assist them in establishing a potential women’s team,’ said Lees.

Representative football will again be a prominent feature of the 2024 fixture, with a milestone being celebrated in 2024.

‘AFL Cairns is also excited about the 10th year of our Genesis Health + Fitness All-Stars concept, and is looking forward to celebrating a decade of representative footy with this showcase event of the 2024 fixture,’ said Lees.

Our best men’s and women’s players will also have the opportunity to represent North Queensland in the annual clash against South Queensland on 22 June.

Grill’d Division 3 football will be back bigger and better in 2024, with action across all grades culminating in a massive day of Grand Final action at Cazalys Stadium on Saturday 21 September.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL 2024 SENIOR MEN’S SEASON FIXTURE

CLICK HERE FOR FULL 2024 CHEMIST WAREHOUSE WOMEN’S SEASON FIXTURE