Geelong has welcomed the 2018 fixture it has been handed by the AFL.

Highlighting the draw is nine games at GMHBA Stadium, with Carlton set to travel to Geelong for the first time since 1997.

“The AFL always has a difficult task in balancing the many requests from clubs. We are thrilled that the AFL has recognised the fact our club, our members, supporters and the local community deserve more home games at GMHBA Stadium,” Geelong CEO Brian Cook said.

“Playing nine games at our home ground for the first time in many years will have a huge benefit to all stakeholders, and we think this also makes the fixture fairer from an integrity point of view.

“Our supporters constantly give us feedback of the importance of playing more games here. That the AFL has been able to work through this is a credit to their willingness to engage and listen to the people that support the club and the game so well.

“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.

“To have Carlton playing here for the first time since 1997 will be a huge day for supporters of both clubs. We are also excited by the on-going Powercor Country Festival match up with Essendon at the MCG in round 9.

“While in an ideal world we would have 11 games at GMHBA Stadium, we understand and respect the AFL’s position and thank them for scheduling the MCG games against Hawthorn and Richmond. The Easter Monday game is now one of the season highlights and 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 and 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, a match up that will see captain Joel Selwood play his 250th game and Gary Ablett his first in the hoops since the 2010 preliminary final.

Highlights of the 2018 Geelong fixture include:

* Nine games at GMHBA stadium, including the likes of Carlton, St Kilda, North Melbourne, Sydney, GWS, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle and Gold Coast

* The traditional Easter Monday clash with Hawthorn at the MCG, a home game for the Cats

* The third annual Powercor Country Festival clash with Essendon in round 9 at the MCG

* Two clashes with the Hawks, Richmond, Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast

* A trip to the new Perth Stadium in round 3 to take on the Eagles

* Eight prime time clashes spread across Thursday, Friday and Saturday night

* Seven games at the MCG (two home and five away)

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2018 Geelong Cats home and away fixture