GC SUNS to host Essendon on Friday night in Mackay

Published: 26 Oct 2023

The Gold Coast SUNS will host Essendon under Friday night lights at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena in its final match of the 2023 AFLW home & away season.

Gold Coast’s Round 10 fixture has today been confirmed with the SUNS to host its fourth match at the venue on Friday, November 3, first bounce 6.45pm AEST.

Gold Coast SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago says the club is excited to bring AFLW football to Mackay once again in Round 10.

“Our match in Mackay is always an exciting fixture on our calendar and it’s a fantastic opportunity to be hosting Essendon under lights on a Friday night,” Sessarago said.

“Great Barrier Reef Arena is a home away from home for our AFLW side and we also love the chance to engage with the local communities off the field in Mackay.

“We hope to see plenty of local football fans in red and gold cheering on the SUNS.”

Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May said Mackay was pleased to again welcome the SUNS back to our region.

“As a feeder region for the SUNS AFLW team we are always excited to have them play as our home team,” Cr May said.

“Council is happy to support games like this one through the Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Attraction Program, which aims to attract visitors, generate positive economic results and foster community pride,” she said.

It’s the third consecutive season in which the SUNS have hosted an AFLW match in Mackay, a region which has produced four players currently on the club’s list.

Sarina Demons junior and SUNS Academy graduate Lauren Bella can’t wait to return to her home region.

“It’s always special having the opportunity to play in front of friends and family in Mackay,” Bella said.

“We got the win in our last match at Great Barrier Reef Arena and hopefully we can do the same again against the Bombers.”

Entry to Great Barrier Reef Arena for the Round 10 fixture is FREE. Stay tuned to official SUNS channels for further match day information.

AFLW Round 10
Gold Coast SUNS v Essendon 
Friday, November 3 
6.45pm AEST