The GIANTS are set to play an Anzac Day match in Canberra for the first time next season with CEO David Matthews expecting a twilight fixture at StarTrack Oval against a Victorian based club.
“I think the focus of the nation on Anzac Day should be in a place like Canberra,” Matthews told ABC Radio in Canberra.
“I know Essendon and Collingwood is a big game at the MCG but for us to be able to play here is something we’re really looking forward to.
“Nothing’s guaranteed just yet until it’s completely announced but we’re expecting we’ll be drawn on Anzac Day in a twilight fixture and we’ve asked for one of the big Melbourne clubs.
“I think that’s going to be a great outcome in itself, to get a new heavyweight opponent into Canberra.”
Matthews said he expected the GIANTS to play against either Geelong, Hawthorn or Carlton in one of five games set to be scheduled on Saturday April 25, the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.
“It’s a significant day for Australians ... I know they (the AFL) are very supportive of the fact that the nation’s capital has a role to play on such an important occasion,” Matthews said.
“We’re very, very determined to get a game here and I think the AFL’s very supportive.
“It’s a national competition so they’ll work out the scheduling but the important thing is we want to deliver something to the people of Canberra.”
A crowd of 10,211 watched the GIANTS play the Kangaroos on Saturday afternoon, the second biggest crowd for a GIANTS match in Canberra since the club entered the AFL in 2012.
