AFL Cairns is pleased to announce that the Port Douglas Football Club has been granted a license to participate in the Chemist Warehouse AFL Cairns Women’s competition for the upcoming 2024 season and beyond.
After months of dedicated efforts during the off-season, the club has successfully established a sustainable model through collaboration with AFL Cairns, ensuring the continued growth of women’s football in the region for years to come.
Following the excitement generated by Hawthorn AFLW’s premiership match last year, as well as the club’s community connection, it is inspiring to see a surge in the involvement of women and girls in football throughout the area.
Craig Lees, the General Manager of AFL Cairns, expressed his delight with this development, emphasising the significant role that the Port Douglas Football Club plays within the community.
“The acquisition of a women’s license signifies the commitment of the club’s leadership towards fostering inclusivity and expanding opportunities for women within our beloved sport. As our league aspires to become a leading regional community competition in Australia, achieving parity with seven men’s and women’s teams demonstrates a significant milestone, bringing immense satisfaction to both our Board and the league as a whole.”
President Barry Lea of Port Douglas Football Club said, “2024 is gearing up to be an amazing and exciting time for the Port Douglas Community and wider AFL Cairns. This journey started mid-2023 with an abundance of enthusiasm and excitement towards a fully-fledged, committed Women’s team.”
“We have endeavoured to leave no stone unturned as we fill a huge gap and ensure women of our local community have the opportunity to experience our great game of AFL.”
“As President – I cannot be any prouder of the progress towards our Women’s team – Our community will embrace and join this success for many years to follow.”
To celebrate this milestone, Port Douglas will host a Super Sunday Gala Day on 10 March at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex from 10.00am with Hawthorn AFLW superstars Emily Bates and Greta Bodey in attendance.
The AFL Cairns Women’s fixture, now including the 7th team, will be released early next week.
For further information or to join the club, please contact Barry Lea at Port Douglas or for league inquiries contact Craig Lees, General Manager.
