Cats get nine home games in 2022 AFL fixture

THE fixture for the 2022 AFL season has just been released, and Geelong has again secured nine home games.

The Cats will meet 2021 finalists Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Brisbane, and Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium, as well as Adelaide, Fremantle, West Coast, St Kilda, and North Melbourne.

The season will begin with the Powercor Country Festival against Essendon at the MCG on March 19, and the traditional Easter Monday game against the Hawks remains in round 5 as an away game at the MCG.

Geelong’s first home game at GMHBA Stadium will be on a Friday night, against the Lions on April 8.

Six interstate games will be spread across Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Gold Coast, Perth, and Adelaide, allowing supporters in those cities to enjoy seeing the Cats in action.

The Cats will face West Coast, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Port Adelaide, and the Western Bulldogs twice in the season.

“This fixture is excellent for our team, our club and members and supporters throughout Australia,” Geelong chief executive officer Steve Hocking said.

“We are excited about the prospect of welcoming our loyal members and supporters back to games, and they will be in for some exceptional contests. We recognise the past two years have been difficult for our members. Their passion for the club in continuing to support us has been critical to our long-term viability and we thank all members for their loyalty through these difficult times.

“Starting the season at the MCG in the annual Powercor Country Festival is a fantastic way to welcome in the new season.

“There is a great mix of opponents at GMHBA Stadium, with four elite teams from 2021 heading to Geelong, and a good spread of Melbourne and interstate-based teams playing here.

“Our interstate members and supporters will be able to see us live in action in six states and territories, and we also play a total of seven games in total at the MCG and Marvel Stadium. So, there are plenty of chances for supporters regardless of where they live to catch the Cats in action.

“Sir Doug Nicholls round will be held over rounds 10 and 11, and we have back-to-back home games at GMHBA Stadium as part of this celebration.

“GMHBA Stadium will undergo significant redevelopment throughout 2022, and this marks the first time we have had nine home games here during building works. This is a positive outcome and we thank the AFL for understanding how important it is to play games at GMHBA Stadium.

This afternoon’s announcement only contains the dates and times for the first nine rounds, with more details on rounds 10 to 23 to be released after the start of the 2022 season.

“We know that our members would like a fixture with all game times confirmed, but we understand the AFL’s wish for flexibility,” Mr Hocking said.

“We will ensure all of our members and supporters are kept up to date in terms of scheduling so they can plan ahead.”