The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS' clash with Geelong at ŠKODA Stadium on June 8 will pay tribute to the farmers of Australia.

GIANTS Head Coach Kevin Sheedy today launched the inaugural 'Tribute to Farmers' game with Victorian Premier Denis Napthine, also a keen Geelong fan and MLA for Portland in western Victoria.

Sheedy said the GIANTS wanted to build an iconic game that recognised the contribution made by farmers to Australia.

"In many ways farmers have been the backbone of this country. Australian football is also an important part of rural communities and we would like to recognise that with this match," Sheedy said.

"The GIANTS have a big zone that extends down into southern New South Wales through the Riverina and we would love as many of these people as possible to come to Sydney for this game.

"It is the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and with no country football on it is a great opportunity to  recognise these communities in what is a great fixture between one of the oldest clubs in the VFL/AFL in Geelong and the newest club, the GIANTS.

"We would also love to see as many Geelong fans come to Sydney for the long weekend and enjoy the game. They are a great club which has built not just great success but also a strong culture on and off the field and we are delighted to host them at ŠKODA Stadium."

Premier Napthine welcomed the `Tribute to Farmers’ match. "Football and farmers have been linked together since the start of the game. Across regional Victoria and Australia, farmers make up a large part of our football and sporting clubs,” he said.

“From pulling on the boots on a Saturday afternoon, to volunteering to serve the sausages after training on a Thursday night, farmers and their families have been at the heart of the game. This game between the Cats and the GIANTS gives all Australians a chance to say thank you to our farmers."

The GIANTS are planning a number of activities to recognise farmers as part of the round 11 match at ŠKODA Stadium at 2.10pm on Saturday June 8. These will be announced in coming weeks.

AFL travel packages including tickets to the game, flights and accomodation are available at www.anygameanywhere.com.au. Match day tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.au.