Giants to battle Swans in opening round

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New Sydney Swans recruit Buddy Franklin will take on the team he turned down in the opening round of the 2014 AFL season when the GWS Giants meet the Swans for the first time at Giants Stadium (formerly SKODA Stadium).

The Giants will open their third season in the AFL when they host the Swans in the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ at 4.40pm on Saturday, March 15.

The Giants play their second game at home before Easter when they meet Melbourne at Giants Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park on April 6.

Speaking after the release of the AFL fixture last week, Giants CEO David Matthews said it was win for the fans.

“We are particularly excited about playing the Swans for the first time at Giants Stadium in round one in what we expect to be a sell-out,” he said.

“We have played the previous two opening Sydney Derbies at ANZ Stadium so to have the chance to play on our home turf is a great opportunity for us as a club and also for our fans.

“With Easter being later next year, we are able to play two of our first three games at Giants Stadium in what is a great win for our fans in western Sydney.”

GWS will play eight games at Giants Stadium in 2014 including matches against Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, Geelong and Richmond.

“This is a very exciting fixture for Giants and AFL fans in Sydney who will have the chance to see the Giants play against some of the biggest clubs in the competition,” Matthews said.

“We also have a good spread of timeslots for families with a mix of Saturday afternoon, twilight, Saturday night and Sunday matches at Giants Stadium.”

GWS will also play four matches in Canberra, as part of their on-going association with the capital city, including their opening NAB Challenge match against the Swans on February 20.


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