A GIANT 2013 season
This article first appeared on gwsgiants.com.au
The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS will kick off the 2013 Toyota AFL Premiership Season with a blockbuster match against reigning premiers the Sydney Swans on Saturday, March 30 at ANZ Stadium.
The GIANTS today welcomed the release of the 2013 fixture which includes the first ever AFL match for premiership points under lights at Manuka Oval in Canberra against St Kilda on Saturday April 13.
Other highlights of the fixture include:
– Seven home matches at Skoda Stadium, including games against Essendon, Geelong, Richmond, West Coast and Adelaide
– The GIANTS will play each of last year’s finalists only once, with the exception of the Swans
– As well as two Sydney Derbies (at ANZ Stadium and the SCG) , the GIANTS will play Gold Coast, Port Adelaide, Melbourne and Essendon twice
– The GIANTS will play the Western Bulldogs for the Prime Minister’s Cup at Manuka Oval on Saturday July 6
– The GIANTS will play Collingwood under lights at the MCG for the first time on July 27 in a Saturday twilight match
Chief Executive David Matthews said the fixture was a great opportunity for fans to see the GIANTS in action in 2013, particularly in Sydney and Canberra.
“I’d urge all GIANTS fans and members to get these dates in their diaries for 2013 now. We have a great mix of games against great opponents starting with the Sydney Derby on March 30 and we can’t wait for the 2013 season to start,” he said.
“We have been able to schedule matches at ŠKODA Stadium earlier next year, with seven big games including Geelong, Essendon and Richmond, and it’s a great opportunity for our supporters to experience everything this world class stadium has to offer.
“We also have three fantastic games at our home ground at Manuka Oval, starting with an historic game under lights against St Kilda in Round 3. Canberra is where we had our first win against the Gold Coast in 2012 and we look forward to again taking on the Suns there next year.”
Including Canberra, the GIANTS will travel 13 times in 2013, the most games on the road of any AFL club.
“We’re fully aware of the travel requirements of all clubs outside Victoria and like we did in 2012 this is something we will manage with our young playing list,” Matthews said.
“Our Melbourne based supporters will be able to see the GIANTS in action five times, including our first game under lights at the MCG against Collingwood in Round 18. Games like this are a great opportunity for our young players to challenge themselves on the big stage.”
GIANTS Head Coach Kevin Sheedy has praised the draw and encouraged Canberra AFL fans to be at Manuka Oval to witness AFL history again in 2013.
“We’ve got some great games for everyone in Canberra this year,” Sheedy said.
“When we play against the Saints and Bombers it will be the first games to ever be played under lights at Manuka Oval. That is AFL history so make sure you’re there to see it.
“We then take on the SUNS who we beat in our historic first win.
“Thank you to everyone in Canberra who was there and a part of that great day and we hope to see you there again this year.”
Click here to see the full round-by-round fixture
