From The Cairns Post
Reported by Andrew Piva
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HE is probably a bit biased but Cairns native Charlie Dixon would love it if Cazalys becomes a home away from home for new AFL franchise the Gold Coast.
Dixon has been named at centre-half forward for the Gold Coast ahead of their VFL match against the Bendigo Bombers at Cazalys tomorrow.
It will be Dixon’s first game at the ground since playing for Cairns Saints in the 2007 AFL Cairns grand final against the Manunda Hawks.
AFL Cairns wants to build a strong relationship with the Gold Coast and Dixon hopes that leads to more games in the Far North.
"Cairns does a great job of supporting the AFL with things like the NAB Cup matches," Dixon said.
"It’s a great ground Cazalys and I hope it gets to a stage where we can play once or twice a year up there."
With Dixon, Hope Vale’s Rex Liddy and star recruit Karmichael Hunt named in the Gold Coast team for tomorrow, AFL Cairns hopes a sizeable crowd of 3000 or more turns up to support the fixture.
Many of Dixon’s friends and family will be in the grandstands and the 19-year-old wants to show them the footballer he has become.
"I think there will be a bit of both (nerves and excitement)," he said.
"But I think once the first bounce happens I’ll be OK.
"I know a lot of people who are going to be there and they’ve been talking about the game more than I have.
"I’m really pumped for the game."
The Gold Coast are well out of finals contention and have only two wins from 12 games this season.
Dixon, however, has no doubt the Gold Coast is a better football team than at the start of the year.
"The physicality (of the VFL) is twice as much as what it was in the TAC Cup or even the state league," he said.
"In our first game we were straight into it.
"We competed quite well but we were a new team.
"But now everyone is gelling really well and everyone’s playing a role.
"I think that’s a huge credit to the coaching staff."
The Gold Coast arrive in Cairns today and will hold an open training session at Cazalys between 3pm and 4pm before staging a meet and greet with the fans.
The Bendigo Bombers will train between 4.15pm and 5pm, also at Cazalys.
The Gold Coast versus Bombers match starts at noon.
General admission is $11, reserve grandstand seats are $15 and children under 16 are free. Tickets are available at the gate or by calling 4054 1464.
