Geelong will play two extra games at Kardinia Park in 2018 following the release of the AFL’s fixture for next season.
Cats chief executive officer Brian Cook was thrilled the AFL had recognised the club’s supporters “deserved” nine games in Geelong.
“We think this also makes the fixture fairer from an integrity point of view,” he said.
The draw will see Carlton return to the Cattery for the first time since 1997.
“To have Carlton playing here for the first time since 1997 will be a huge day for supporters of both clubs,” Cook said.
“We are also excited by the on-going Country Festival match up with Essendon at the MCG in round nine.
“In 2017 we saw first-hand the great atmosphere our stadium can create and we are confident that we will see that repeated nine times in 2018.”
The Cats play Hawthorn, in the traditional Easter Monday clash, and reigning premiers Richmond for their remaining home games at the MCG.
“While in an ideal world we would have 11 games at GMHBA Stadium, we understand and respect the AFL’s position,” Cook said.
“We are looking forward to again facing the Hawks on such a significant day on the AFL calendar.”
“That we will have 16 of our 22 games at either GMHBA Stadium or the MCG is excellent news for our members and supporters in both the western region and the greater Melbourne metropolitan area.”
The Cats open the season against Melbourne at the MCG with captain Joel Selwood to play his 250th game.
Gary Ablett will play for the first time in blue and white since the 2010 preliminary final.
The Cats will play this year’s top eight in nine of 22 games.
