The GIANTS will return to Ballarat in Round 18 to host the much-anticipated Sydney Derby XXI.
The match against the Swans was originally scheduled to be played at GIANTS Stadium, however has been relocated due to the Sydney COVID outbreak and subsequent border closures.
It’ll be the second week in a row the GIANTS call Mars Stadium home, with the match to get underway at 1.45pm on Saturday, July 17.
GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said: “It’s unfortunate this match can’t go ahead in front of our loyal Sydney members however the health and wellbeing of the community must come first during this difficult time.
“With Sydney out of the equation, we had been working extremely hard to bring this game to Canberra, however, the border restrictions now in place for the ACT make this impossible.
“I’d like to thank the AFL for moving quickly to secure this arrangement as well as the Ballarat community who’ve welcomed our club with open arms over the last week.
“The Sydney Derby is always an entertaining contest between two fierce rivals with this week’s game being no exception, and so I encourage everyone who can attend to get along and watch another great spectacle.
Mr Matthews also thanked the 29,129 GIANTS members for their continued support.
“We’re disappointed that we’ve been unable to play as many games as we were hoping in Sydney this year but the unwavering support and passion of our members is hugely appreciated by everyone at the GIANTS,” said Mr Matthews.
“The club will assess member entitlements and compensation options at the completion of the 2021 season once we have a full picture of the impact this disrupted season has had on our members.
“In the meantime, the club encourages everyone across New South Wales and the ACT to continue to adhere to the advice of the relevant health authorities.
“We all want to be able to move around our communities freely and see family and friends as soon as possible, so if you can, please get vaccinated.”
Sydney Derby XXI between the GIANTS and Swans will be shown nationally via Foxtel and KAYO and will also be available within NSW and the ACT via the Seven Network on Saturday from 1.30pm.
