Canberra will have its best ever AFL fixture in 2015 with the GIANTS set to play the Gold Coast Suns on Anzac Day in the nation’s capital.
The AFL’s two expansion clubs will meet at StarTrack Oval Canberra at 5.40pm on Saturday, April 25, to mark the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.
The GIANTS' first game in the ACT will be against Melbourne at StarTrack Oval on Saturday April 5 at 2.10pm. The final game of the season in Canberra will be against Geelong on July 25 at 2.10pm at StarTrack Oval.
Chief Executive David Matthews said the fixture was a great win for GIANTS fans in Canberra.
“Canberra deserves big events and it’s certainly got those in 2015. Anzac Day will be a very significant occasion and we’re delighted to be able to play the Suns on this day,” he said.
“We had our first ever win in Canberra against the Gold Coast in 2012 and the two clubs are building a great rivalry. Fans can come and watch our stars but also the best player in the AFL, Gary Ablett, under lights at StarTrack Oval.
“We’re also thrilled to have two of the oldest clubs in the AFL Melbourne and Geelong coming to the nation's capital. Geelong is one of the greatest teams of the modern era and to have the likes of Joel Selwood playing in a Canberra is a win for AFL fans.”
The GIANTS will also play a NAB Challenge pre-season clash against the Sydney Swans on Sunday March 22 at 1.10pm.
“We also see this as a great game for Canberra featuring our cross town rivals and the 2014 runners up the Swans and their great stars like Buddy Franklin,” Matthews said.
ACT Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the draw for Canberra.
"The ACT Government is delighted with the strongest ever AFL fixture for Canberra. The GIANTS hosting a match on Anzac Day against the Suns on occasion of the centenary of ANZAC is a particular highlight," he said.
"We also look forward to the GIANTS clashing with two Victorian teams with strong supporter bases in the region. Finally, the NAB Challenge match against the Swans offers Canberra fans access to the great NSW/ACT derby.
"The ACT Government is focusing on attracting high-quality sporting fixtures to StarTrack Oval Canberra - the GIANTS’ 2015 matches in the capital will be fantastic for footy fans from the Capital region and will further entrench the strong relationship the GIANTS enjoy with Canberra.”
ACT memberships start from just $85 for adults, $30 for juniors and $195 for a family of two adults and up to four children. Memberships include entry to all three Premiership season games at StarTrack Oval as well as the NAB Challenge clash against the Swans.
All GIANTS memberships with game access also include entry to the 2015 Sydney Royal Easter Show on Sunday March 29, Wednesday April 1 and Saturday April 4.
2015 StarTrack Oval Fixture
NAB Challenge
GIANTS v Sydney Swans
Sunday March 22, 1.10pm
Toyota AFL Premiership Season
Round 2
GIANTS v Melbourne
Saturday April 11, 2.10pm
Round 4
GIANTS v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday April 25, 5.40pm
Round 17
GIANTS v Geelong
Saturday July 25, 1.45pm
Stand Tall with the GIANTS in 2015 and become a member today by visiting membership.gwsgiants.com.au or calling 1300 GIANTS (442 687).
