Cats draw Bombers at home

Geelong will play its first match at GMHBA Stadium in 2021 in Round 2. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)

GEELONG will host Essendon at Kardinia Park for the first time since last century among nine home games at GMHBA Stadium.

The Bombers, who will also play the Cats to open the AFL Community Series on February 18 in Geelong, last featured in a match for premiership points in Geelong in Round 21, 1993.

The two clubs have met 34 times since, with the Cats the home team on 15 occasions, with the match played at either the MCG or Docklands.

Of the nine matches at Kardinia Park in 2021, three are in the opening six rounds, including against preliminary final opponents the Brisbane Lions on a Friday night in Round 2.

Geelong will then round out the season with three consecutive home matches against the GWS Giants, where Jeremy Cameron will come up against his old club, St Kilda and Melbourne.

The Cats will have two games at the MCG – against Hawthorn on Easter Monday, as Isaac Smith takes on his former teammates for the first time, and reigning premier Richmond in Round 19.

Geelong has six interstate trips, including Round 1 against Adelaide and a first-ever trip to Hobart for premiership points when it meets North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena in Round 20.

The Cats haven’t been across Bass Strait for a home-and-away game since losing to Hawthorn in Round 4, 2007.

The Roos are one of the five teams Geelong meets twice, along with the Lions, Tigers, Demons and Saints.

“This fixture is good in just about every way,” CEO Brian Cook said. “We are optimistic that we will be able to welcome our members and supporters back to games, and they will be in for some great contests.

 “We are particularly excited to host Essendon at GMHBA Stadium for the first time in 28 years as part of the Powercor Country Festival.

“We also see a great mix of strong Victorian and interstate clubs coming to GMHBA Stadium, and we will host the traditional Easter Monday contest at the MCG against the Hawks. Our Sir Doug Nicholls round game against Collingwood in round 11 will be a huge contest.

“We recognise that this fixture is different with only the opening six rounds locked in.

“Ideally we would have a traditional fixture with all games times confirmed, we understand the AFL’s wish for flexibility.

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

Times and dates for Round 7 onwards will be announced at a later date.

More to come

Twitter: @tom_king79

2021 GEELONG FIXTURE