The GIANTS will host two local fixtures in Canberra and Blacktown to kick off the JLT Community Series ahead of the 2018 AFL season.
The GIANTS will finalise their pre-season preparations with two big games against Collingwood and the Sydney Swans.
The AFL today released next year’s pre-season fixture which will see the GIANTS host Collingwood at UNSW Canberra Oval before taking on their cross-town rivals the Swans at Blacktown International Sportspark.
The Collingwood match under lights on Thursday, March 1 will be the Magpies’ first game in Canberra since 2001 when they defeated North Melbourne.
In a shorter pre-season format that gets underway on Saturday February 24, the GIANTS will have their final hit-out against the Swans on Friday, March 9.
The Blacktown match against the Swans will be the final hit out for both teams before the Toyota AFL Premiership season gets underway a fortnight later.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews welcomed the announcement of the JLT Community Series fixture.
“We’re delighted that our fans in Western Sydney and the ACT will be able to see us take on two big clubs as we launch our 2018 season,” Mr Matthews said.
“It’s been 17 years since Collingwood played in the ACT and we have no doubt their large supporter base will enjoy coming to UNSW Canberra Oval.
“We’ve had a number of sell-out crowds at UNSW Canberra Oval in recent years and this match will be another big occasion in the nation’s capital.
“Blacktown is a key area for our club and we’ve always had strong support from the local community.
“The JLT Community Series is a wonderful opportunity for fans to see their favourite players up close and I encourage all GIANTS fans to sign up as members ahead of another big season in 2018.”
GIANTS members with match access will have free entry to the 2018 JLT Community Series matches in which the GIANTS are competing. To become a 2018 GIANTS member, go to membership.gwsgiants.com.au.
ROUND 1
Bye
ROUND 2
Thursday. March 1
GIANTS v Collingwood
UNSW Canberra Oval
7.10pm
ROUND 3
Friday, March 9
GIANTS v Sydney Swans
Blacktown International Sportspark
7:40pm
