Cats faithful turn out ahead of flag unfurling

THE Geelong Cats make its long-awaited return to GMHBA Stadium tonight against the Sydney Swans following the club’s 2022 premiership-winning season.

Preparations have begun ahead of this evening’s clash with the Swans – when the Cats’ premiership flag will be unfurled – with the club hosting its first open training session of the season on Tuesday earlier this week.

Kardinia Park was filled with fun activations and face painting for the Cats’ faithful that turned up to the training to see their favourite players take the field.

Premiership player and Cats midfielder Mitch Duncan said he expected tickets to be “tight” given GMHBA Stadium’s plan to have the newly built grandstand completed by Round 6 has been delayed.

However, it is still an exciting time for Geelong supporters to see its team back at home.

“It’s going to be great to play in front of a full crowd full of Cats fans most likely,” Duncan said.

“Every contest against Sydney is a challenging one, they’re a very well-drilled side with John [Longmire] there and his coaching staff.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge and we’re looking forward to getting our game going to the best we can.”

Geelong’s past players and club personnel will carry the 2022 premiership flag onto the ground and unfurl it alongside chief executive officer Steve Hocking before the opening bounce.

The Cats will also pay its respects to the men and women who have served Australia in honour of Anzac Appeal Round by donning an Anzac guernsey.

The guernsey features the names of Geelong Football Club players who answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Profits from the guernsey’s sales will be donated to the RSL’s Anzac Appeal.

The Cats and Swans game begins at 7.25pm.

Geelong’s first home game will be this Saturday against Sydney.