First meeting with Dees for Cats

A first meeting with Melbourne, debut matchups with Season 7 newcomers Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, and a maiden trip to Sydney highlight Geelong’s AFLW fixture for 2023.

The AFL released the Season 8 draw on Monday, just 46 before the season opener between the Demons and Collingwood at Ikon Park on Friday, September 1.

Since the Cats joined the competition in 2019, they haven’t faced the reigning premier in home-and-away competition.

However, that will change when Melbourne comes to GMHBA Stadium on September 28 (AFL Grand Final public holiday eve).

For the first time, Geelong will play five games at its home venue in a season, including a Round 1 meeting with the Western Bulldogs on September 2.

They will also host North Melbourne on a Friday night at GMHBA Stadium, with the Cats hoping for payback for the Roos knocking them out of the Season 7 finals.

Geelong heads interstate twice, taking on the Swans at North Sydney Oval on September 9 and the Power at Alberton Oval on September 23.

The Cats will also return to Reid Oval in Warrnambool for a Country Game clash with Essendon on October 8.

“Our fixture has provided us a host of thrilling matchups, family-friendly timeslots, and exciting opportunities, and the club is poised to continue our impressive journey in the AFLW so far in the 2023 season,” CEO Steve Hocking said.

“We love playing at home, and we can’t wait to play at GMHBA Stadium throughout the season.

“However, our fixture also presents exciting opportunities for fans based outside of Geelong, including heading to Alberton Oval in Adelaide and North Sydney Oval for the first time, games in Melbourne against Richmond and Collingwood, and once again in Warrnambool, where both our women’s and men’s playing groups have enjoyed spending time in the community.

“We look forward to the season ahead and seeing coach Dan Lowther, captain Meg McDonald and the team build on last season.”

Twitter: @krockfootball

Round 1

Saturday, September 2, 5.05pm

Geelong vs. Western Bulldogs @ GMHBA Stadium

Round 2

Saturday, September 9, 1:05pm

Sydney Swans vs. Geelong @ North Sydney Oval

Round 3

Friday, September 15, 5:05pm

Geelong vs. North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos @ GMHBA Stadium

Round 4

Saturday, September 23, 12:35pm

Port Adelaide vs. Geelong @ Alberton Oval

Round 5

Thursday, September 28, 6:15pm

Geelong vs. Melbourne @ GMHBA Stadium

Round 6 – Country Game

Sunday, October 8, 1:05pm

Essendon vs. Geelong @ Reid Oval – Warrnambool

Round 7 – AFLW Indigenous Round

Saturday, October 14, 3:05pm

Geelong vs. Fremantle @ GMHBA Stadium

Round 8 – AFLW Indigenous Round

Sunday, October 22, 1:05pm

Collingwood vs Geelong @ Victoria Park

Round 9

Saturday, October 28, 7:15pm

Richmond vs. Geelong @ Ikon Park

Round 10 – AFLW Pride Round

Friday, November 3 – Sunday, November 5 TBC

Geelong vs. Hawthorn @ GMHBA Stadium