GIANTS fans in Western Sydney, Canberra and the Riverina will all have the chance to see their team play in the 2017 JLT Community Series.
The AFL today released next year’s pre-season fixture which will see the GIANTS come up against three fellow finalists from the 2016 season in the club’s key regions.
The GIANTS’ campaign will get underway against West Coast in Narrandera (Riverina), followed by a game against the Sydney Swans, before the GIANTS’ pre-season is rounded out against North Melbourne in Canberra.
The game against the Eagles at Narrandera Sports Stadium on Saturday, 18th February (2.05pm) will be the first AFL game played in the Riverina town since 2010 when the Swans hosted the Kangaroos.
The game will have extra significance for two GIANTS players who come from Narrandera, with dashing defender Zac Williams and young ruckman Matthew Flynn both joining the club from the town through the GIANTS’ Academy system.
The GIANTS second match will be under lights at Blacktown International Sportspark against crosstown rivals the Swans on Friday, 3rd March (7.40pm).
The third and final JLT Community Series match will take place a week later on Friday, 10th March (5.50pm) at Manuka Oval against North Melbourne.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews welcomed the announcement of next year’s JLT Community Series fixture.
“This is a terrific fixture for our fans across NSW and the ACT, allowing them to see their favourite players up close as we launch our 2017 season,” Mr Matthews said.
“We’ve got a strong connection with the Riverina through our Academy system, so it’s wonderful to take the JLT Community Series to communities like Narrandera.
“We are especially delighted to be playing a pre-season game at Blacktown International Sportspark as this is a key area for the club and we enjoy strong support from the local Blacktown community.
“To be playing our cross town rivals and the 2016 Grand Finalists in Blacktown will be a big occasion to kick off the season in Western Sydney.
“Manuka Oval has been a wonderful venue for the GIANTS in recent seasons with three of our last four games in Canberra sold out and I’m sure our fans in Canberra will be looking forward to North Melbourne returning to kick off another big year of AFL competition in the nation’s capital.
“We are coming off an historic season which saw the GIANTS reach the finals for the first time and I encourage all GIANTS fans to sign up as members ahead of what promises to be another exciting year in 2017.”
GIANTS members with match access will have free entry to the 2017 JLT Community Series matches in which the GIANTS are competing. To become a 2016 GIANTS member, go to membership.gwsgiants.com.au or call 1300 442 687.
The GIANTS will open their 2017 Toyota AFL Premiership season against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, March 26.
MATCH 1
Saturday, 18 February
GIANTS v West Coast Eagles
Narrandera Sports Stadium
2:05pm
MATCH 2
Friday, 3 March
GIANTS v Sydney Swans
Blacktown International SportsPark
7:40pm T
MATCH 3
Friday, 10 March
GIANTS v North Melbourne
Manuka Oval
5:50pm
Click here to see the full JLT Community Series fixture.
To sync the GIANTS fixture to your calendar, click here.
