The Far North will get another taste of AFL action when St Kilda and the Adelaide Crows go head to head this weekend.

The round 13 match on Saturday at Cairns’ Cazalys Stadium has been given the green light to go ahead after being cast with uncertainty last week due to Melbourne’s lockdown.

The Saints will arrive in far north Queensland this week after the Queensland State Government granted an exemption for the club to cross the border.

The AFL, together with the club, have agreed to strict travel arrangements and other protocols as approved by the Queensland State Government.

The AFL, together with the club, have agreed to strict travel arrangements and other protocols as approved by the Queensland State Government.

“There’s been a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the fixture this past week, but we’re delighted to have our Round 13 match in Cairns go ahead as planned,” St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said.

“While it’s disappointing that many Victorians will be unable to attend the game, we strongly encourage fans from Queensland and other parts of the country to head up north to watch the Saints on Saturday night.

“Tropical Far North Queensland is such a wonderful part of the world so we hope those who have had to cancel or change their travel plans due to COVID, can still make the journey at a later point in the year."

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen welcomed the players to the region.

“We are delighted to have the AFL come to Cairns as it is a great chance for locals to watch a live national AFL game,” he said.

“I urge locals to support the game and show the southern teams how much they appreciate having them here in Cairns.”

The Saints struck a deal with the AFL, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Cairns Regional Council late last year to host a game in Cairns this season in an effort to drive visitors to the region.

The match will kick off on Saturday 12 June at 7.25pm, tickets are on sale now.