A massive 14,923 people turned out to Barlow Park on Sunday afternoon to watch reigning premiers North Queensland Cowboys overpower hosts South Sydney.

AFL Cairns president Gary Young is hoping for a similarly strong turnout when the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns play their Round 17 ­premiership match on July 16 at Cazalys Stadium.

“We would love to have a record crowd, the Bulldogs are coming up here on fire after beating Sydney in Sydney on Saturday and are a real top-four chance,” Young said.

“The Gold Coast have got some cattle back on the field and are playing better footy and got a good win.

“Ticket sales are about where we expect them to be, people in Cairns always book in the last few days.

“I encourage everyone to get in and buy your tickets early because the AFL requires us to do a 100 per cent bag check going into the ground and it will be smoother entry if tickets are booked in advance.”

Some 9449 spectators were on hand to watch the Bulldogs overturn a 37-point three-quarter deficit to eventually beat the Gold Coast by 22 points in last year’s equivalent fixture in Cairns.

Young is looking to crack 11,500 fans next Saturday evening in the first night game in North Queensland.

“A big crowd at the game up here can guarantee the future of AFL matches in Cairns,” Young said.

“When we go into negotiations for future matches, if we get a good turn-out, it will be hard for them to say no to coming back.

“But, if we get a mediocre crowd, we do not know.

“I am delighted the NRL game got a massive crowd, now it is the AFL’s turn to do the same.”

Tickets on sale now at Cazalys reception and online at ticketdirect.com.au

Article Courtesy of : JORDAN GERRANS, The Cairns Post