Friday night football will come to Canberra in 2017 when the GIANTS host reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs in the biggest match ever played in the nation’s capital.
The GIANTS and Bulldogs met in an unforgettable Preliminary Final at Spotless Stadium in 2016 and the Round 6 fixture at Canberra on Friday, April 28 (7.50pm) will be their first meeting since.
The Round 6 clash will be the GIANTS’ first ever Friday night game in the Toyota AFL Premiership season and comes as the club enters its sixth season in the AFL.
The reigning premier’s return to the ACT headlines a bumper fixture for Canberra which opens with the GIANTS hosting Port Adelaide in Round 4 on Saturday April 15 (4.35pm). The GIANTS will round out Canberra’s AFL season with a Round 20 against the Melbourne Demons on Saturday, August 5 (1.45pm).
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said next year’s fixture will be an historic one for the GIANTS and Canberra.
“We’re delighted to be bringing Friday night football to the ACT for the first time ever,” Mr Matthews said.
“To be playing the reigning premiers in our first ever Friday night game will be a significant occasion for our club and the Canberra community. Friday night football is the marquee slot across the AFL season and we’re delighted Canberra will be the showpiece game during the early stages of the 2017 Premiership season.
“To also host two teams on the rise in Port Adelaide and Melbourne playing at Manuka Oval completes a strong suite of games in the ACT in 2017.
“Canberra has become a fortress for the GIANTS courtesy of an unbeaten record in 2016 and multiple sell-out crowds.
“Our players love playing in Canberra and we appreciate the significant and growing support we receive from the ACT community.”
The AFL is expected to announce a pre-season match to be played at Manuka Oval in the coming days with the GIANTS expecting to be matched up against a strong Victorian club.
Become a GIANTS member today by visiting membership.gwsgiants.com.au or calling 1300 442 687.
2017 Manuka Oval Fixture
Toyota AFL Premiership Season
Round 4
GIANTS v Port Adelaide
Saturday, April 15, 4.35pm
Round 6
GIANTS v Western Bulldogs
Friday, April 28, 7.50pm
Round 20
GIANTS v Melbourne
Saturday, August 5, 1.45pm
