Beaten 2020 AFL grand finalists Geelong to play for premiership points in Hobart for first time
Geelong has only once played for premiership points in Tasmania – and never in Hobart. That will change in 2021 after the release of the AFL fixture. SEE EVERY GAME >>
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BEATEN 2020 AFL grand finalists Geelong will play for premiership points in Hobart for the first time in the club’s history next season.
In a huge coup for Cats fans from the state, the league powerhouse will meet North Melbourne in round 20 at Blundstone Arena following the release of the 2021 fixture.
Geelong, which led Richmond by 22 points midway through the second quarter of October’s grand final at the Gabba before losing by 31, has not been allocated a home and away contest in Tasmania since clashing with Hawthorn in round four 2007.
The last time the Cats were in the south of the state was 1996, when they played a pre-season match against Carlton at North Hobart Oval.
Their last match was the 2016 pre-season against the Hawks in Launceston.
The club is again expected to be a strong premiership contender next year following a big trade period which netted one of the best key forwards in the game in Jeremy Cameron from GWS, as well as classy veterans Shaun Higgins (North Melbourne) and Isaac Smith (Hawthorn).
Geelong’s trip south on the weekend of July 30-August 1 is one of four matches at Blundstone.
The AFL has locked in the first six rounds of action for 2020, with match-ups and venues for the remainder of the schedule confirmed but days and start times yet to declared.
Both Hawthorn and North Melbourne were forced to abandon plans to play their four matches in the state this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However the clubs will return in what will be the final year of their current deals with the Tasmanian Government.
North, coached by Tasmanian David Noble, has been pitted against Melbourne in round seven and the Giants in round 13.
The Roos third match could also see basketball convert Hugh Greenwood play his first game on home soil since he sensationally jumped codes in 2015 when Gold Coast visits in round 15.
Tasmania’s 20-month wait for home and away content will officially end on Anzac Day when Hawthorn welcomes Adelaide at UTAS Stadium.
The Hawks will also host an “intrastate derby” against the Roos in round nine, Fremantle in round 17 and the Western Bulldogs in round 22.
The Dogs have played five matches in Launceston, but none since 2015.
Two pre-season games will also unfold at opposite ends of the state, with men’s action returning to North Hobart Oval for the first time since 1996 with the Kangaroos hosting Adelaide on February 28, while the Hawks and Port Adelaide clash on March 7 in Launceston.
TASMANIA’S 2021 AFL FIXTURE
UTAS Stadium
Rd 6 Hawthorn v Adelaide (Apr 25) 12.30pm
Rd 9 Hawthorn v North Melbourne (May 14-May 16)
Rd 17 Hawthorn v Fremantle (Jul 9-Jul 11)
Rd 22 Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs (Aug 13-Aug 15)
Blundstone ARENA
Rd 7 North Melbourne v Melbourne (Apr 30-May 2)
Rd 13 GWS (Jun 10-Jun 14)
Rd 15 v Gold Coast (Jun 24-Jun 27)
Rd 20 v Geelong (Jul 30-Aug 1)
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