Cats’ AFL and AFLW fixtures announced

Geelong’s AFLW side will play away to Fremantle for their opening match, before having consecutive home games against Brisbane Lions and reigning premiers Adelaide Crows.

Round 7 will see them be part of the first AFLW/AFL double-header, as they face the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Giants Stadium ahead of the men’s season opener.

Cats acting chief executive officer Simon Kelleher said he was excited about what the coming season had scheduled.

“Four games at GMHBA Stadium across the AFLW season is a great result. It gives our members and supporters the best opportunity to get behind our AFLW team and show their support at games.

“Season 2019 was a history-making year for the club with the launch of our AFLW team. We are looking forward to taking another step forward in 2020 and seeing the support for our women grow.”

After the eight rounds of the normal season, there will be three weeks of finals for the teams that finish in the top three in their conferences. Geelong is placed in Conference A.

This year, Geelong reached the preliminary final but were then soundly defeated by Adelaide.

Meanwhile, Geelong’s AFL side will play nine of their 11 home games at GMHBA Stadium. The other two home games will be at the MCG, both which have been scheduled for family friendly time slots.

Mr Kelleher said he felt this was a good result for the Cats.

“Nine home games at GMHBA Stadium is an acceptable result for the club. The spread of games include two Friday night matches, five afternoon and twilight matches and one Saturday night game against the Brisbane Lions in round 7.”

He also marked out round 5 as one that could contain multiple milestones.

“Round 5 could be the highlight of our fixture, potentially with Joel Selwood’s 300th and Gary Ablett’s 350th game milestones to be celebrated at GMHBA Stadium in front of a home crowd.”