Canberra to host GIANTS in pre-season opener

The AFL announced earlier this month that the 2021 AAMI Community Series will consist of just one match to limit travel and issues with border restrictions ahead of the AFL’s opening round.

The revised pre-season fixture will see the GIANTS return to the nation’s capital for the first time since 2019, set to take on the Brisbane Lions on Sunday, March 7 at Manuka Oval.

The AFL’s executive general manager of clubs and broadcasting, Travis Auld, said the updated fixture aimed to protect the health and safety of the competition and the community by reducing travel ahead of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Auld thanked the regional communities that had originally been scheduled to host pre-season games for their understanding. The regions of Albury (NSW), Coffs Harbour (NSW), Morwell (VIC), Noarlunga (SA), North Hobart (TAS), Mandurah (WA) and Whyalla (SA) will no longer host AAMI Community Series games this year.

“Each of those regions play an extremely important role in our game and the decision to revise the AAMI Community Series was made to protect the health and safety of the competition and the wider community which remains the priority for the league,” he said.

“It is communities like these that are the heartbeat of Australian Football and we hope to be able to return to each of those areas and play games there in the future.

“While we share the disappointment of these regions, we also look forward to more fans being able to safely attend AAMI Community Series matches, particularly in states where supporters have not been able to attend a men’s game in over a year.”

Sunday, March 7

Greater Western Sydney v Brisbane, Manuka Oval 4.10pm AEDT

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