Local Queensland product Sam Michael might hail from Cairns, but a trip to Townsville would probably be the next best thing to a homecoming for the bubbly 20-year-old.

The Brisbane Lions are set to face local rivals, the Gold Coast SUNS, in Townsville this Sunday, and Michael is hopeful of returning to familiar territory.  

“I’ve got a few friends up there and my wife’s family are also from Townsville, so I’ve got another connection there,” Michael told Sea FM radio during the team’s recent AFL Community Camp.

“It should be exciting. Hopefully I’ll be able to take part in that game. It’s always good to go back home and play – I’ve actually played at Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville before with junior footy.”

Michael played the bulk of his junior football in Northern Queensland, specifically in Cairns (which is a further 350km north of Townsville), and even matched-up on Gold Coast giant Charlie Dixon on occasion.

“I played for the Manundah Hawks footy club. I was there right through until Under 16s, so they played a huge part in my development,” Michael said.

“I played footy against Charlie Dixon when I was in Cairns. He’s a couple of years older than me and had a few kilos on me.”

The Lions will face the SUNS in Townsville this Sunday 23 February starting at 3:40pm.

The match will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Footy.