Home blockbusters – in Western Sydney and Canberra - against Grand Finalists Richmond and Adelaide as well as big Victorian clubs Essendon and Hawthorn headline the GIANTS’ 2018 Toyota AFL Fixture.
GIANTS supporters in NSW and the ACT will enjoy games against some of the biggest clubs in the AFL across a range of time slots next year, while the GIANTS will also play games in Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Brisbane and Perth.
The GIANTS will open the 2018 AFL Premiership Season at UNSW Canberra Oval for the first time, taking on 2016 Premiers and fierce rivals the Western Bulldogs on Sunday March 25, with Brisbane opening the GIANTS’ season at Spotless Stadium in round six on Saturday, April 28.
Highlights of the 2018 fixture for the GIANTS include:
- Saturday night free-to-air games at Spotless Stadium against Essendon (round 10), Hawthorn (round 15) and Richmond (round 17)
- Grand Finalists Adelaide to play in Canberra for the first time in round 21 in a Saturday night free-to-air fixture
- Four games in the family friendly Saturday twilight slot at Spotless Stadium against Sydney, St Kilda, Brisbane and Gold Coast
- Two Sydney Derbies (rounds three and 22) including a late-season match up at Spotless Stadium in the family friendly Saturday twilight slot
- Round one to be played in Canberra for the first time ever, against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, March 25
- A return to Friday Night Football in round seven against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium
- Five matches in Victoria including two at the MCG, two at Etihad Stadium and one at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong
- A game at the new Perth Stadium in round 16 against West Coast on Sunday, July 8
- Two matches against Grand Finalists Adelaide, cross-town rivals the Swans as well as West Coast, St Kilda and Brisbane
- Five games broadcast nationally on free to air television via Channel 7
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture was one GIANTS fans can look forward to.
“This is a fixture that will see the GIANTS continue to play in a number of high-profile games across the season,” Mr Matthews said.
“Spotless Stadium has consistently been voted the number one ranked venue for fan experience in the country and we are pleased to be hosting big games against Richmond, Essendon and Hawthorn in front of a national audience on Channel 7.
“Our Sydney-based members and fans enjoy the family friendly twilight slot and we are delighted to still play the majority of our Spotless Stadium games at 4.35pm on Saturdays against quality opposition such as the Swans, St Kilda, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“The Sydney Derby has grown into one of the biggest sporting events on the New South Wales sporting calendar and to host the Swans in Round 22 at Spotless Stadium will be a fitting way to finish our suite of home games in front of our loyal members and fans.
“To open our season in Canberra for the first time against the Western Bulldogs is a great outcome for our ACT-based members and fans who continue to turn out in big numbers at UNSW Canberra Oval.
“We are delighted to be able to bring the reigning Grand Finalists Adelaide to Canberra for the first time in what will no doubt be a marquee event under lights in round 21.
“Our TV ratings have grown significantly in the last two seasons as the club has reached back to back Preliminary Finals and the 2018 fixture sees us play five primetime games on free to air television next year.
“2017 has been a year of unprecedented growth for the GIANTS with membership surpassing 20,000 for the first time, sell-out crowds in Sydney and Canberra, record TV ratings and the introduction of an AFL Women’s side and GIANTS Netball.
“As a club we are looking forward to facing a new set of challenges in 2018 and I have no doubt that the GIANTS will continue to break new ground both on and off the field in what promises to be an exciting year ahead.”
As well as the five games shown nationally on Channel 7, every game will be shown live in NSW and the ACT on 7mate and Fox Footy.
After setting a new membership record in 2017, over 8000 GIANTS fans have already signed up as 2018 members. Become a GIANTS member today by visiting membership.gwsgiants.com.au or calling 1300 442 687.
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