Canberra is set for another season of blockbuster AFL matches in 2018, headlined by the GIANTS’ home games at UNSW Canberra Oval against fierce rivals the Western Bulldogs and this year’s grand finalists the Adelaide Crows.
The GIANTS’ third opponent in Canberra next year will be the Fremantle Dockers, as revealed via the release of the 2018 AFL Premiership fixture today.
The GIANTS will host the Crows under lights in the Round 21 clash on Saturday August 11 with the game being televised nationally on Channel 7. This will be the first time the Crows have played in the ACT since 2002.
For the first time ever the GIANTS will open the 2018 AFL Premiership Season at UNSW Canberra Oval, taking on the Western Bulldogs on Sunday March 25 before Fremantle venture to the ACT for the round four match against the GIANTS on Saturday April 14.
The last time Fremantle played at UNSW Canberra Oval was also in 2002, when they went down to the Kangaroos by just one point. This match will have added interest given it will be the first time former GIANT Nathan Wilson faces his old team after crossing to Fremantle in the recent 2017 NAB AFL Trade Period.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said the 2018 AFL Premiership Season fixture will see three exciting matches played in the ACT.
“We’re pleased to continue to bring big games to Canberra and this is no different in 2018,” Mr Matthews said.
“Last year we brought Friday night football to Canberra for the first time and in 2018 we’ll have the reigning Grand Finalists in Adelaide play under lights on a Saturday night in front of a national audience.
“We continue to receive outstanding support from our Canberra members and fans and to open the season for the first time at UNSW Canberra Oval against the Western Bulldogs is a great outcome for football fans across the ACT.
“2018 will see us bring Adelaide and Fremantle to Canberra for the first time in 15 years which will ensure fresh and exciting match ups across the season.
“We’ve enjoyed sell-outs in five of our last seven games at UNSW Canberra Oval and having won our last six games at the venue it’s clear our players love playing home games in the ACT.”
As announced last week, the GIANTS will also host Collingwood in a JLT Community Series game on Thursday March 1 as well as hosting the Western Bulldogs in an AFLW match on Saturday March 10.
Become a GIANTS ACT member today by visiting membership.gwsgiants.com.au or calling 1300 442 687.
Click here to download the fixture or Add the fixture to your calendar
