NAB Cup to light up NSW and the ACT
The AFL yesterday released the 2013 NAB Cup fixture which will feature games in NSW or the ACT every week, a trip to the redeveloped Robertson Oval in Wagga Wagga and Manuka Oval’s first ever game under lights.
AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley said the NAB Cup will be a fantastic opportunity to grow the game in NSW and the ACT and features several ‘firsts’ for the region.
“AFL NSW/ACT is delighted that the AFL has allocated four NAB Cup fixtures to NSW and ACT in 2013,” Harley said.
“Having the opportunity to host four games is terrific for building excitement around the upcoming 2013 season and assisting community clubs in boosting their registrations and interest.”
The GWS GIANTS and reigning Premiers, the Sydney Swans, will kick off their NAB Cup campaigns in Week 2 of the Round 1 triangular series matches with Carlton at Blacktown International Sportspark (BISP) on Sunday February 24.
The following rounds will revert to full-scale matches and the Sydney Swans will be back at Blacktown for their final game under lights against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday March 9.
“To host two AFL NAB Cup games at BISP is fantastic for showcasing both of Sydney’s AFL teams, the Swans and the GIANTS, to the people of Blacktown City Council, the Greater Western Sydney region and right across metropolitan Sydney,” Harley said.
Wagga Wagga will host its first AFL match in more than a decade in Round 2 as the GIANTS take on the Brisbane Lions at the newly transformed Robertson Oval.
The redevelopment has included an expanded playing surface, the completion of spectator banks, an amenities upgrade and storm water relocation.
“We are thrilled with the chance to take an AFL game to the Southern NSW community,” Harley said.
“We would like to thank and recognise the Wagga Wagga City Council for their significant partnership with the AFL Facility Development Reserve in the redevelopment of this premier regional venue.”
With a capacity of between 10,000 and 12,000, the AFL preseason game is expected to draw a huge crowd.
Finally, the fixture also sees Manuka Oval hosting its inaugural AFL match under the new lighting system funded by the ACT Government in partnership with the Federal Government.
Ahead of the first AFL Premiership match to be played under lights in April, the GIANTS will take on the Essendon Bombers in a Friday night match on March 8.
“This is sure to be an historic night with the GIANTS to play the Essendon Football Club,” Harley said.
“It is also great to see Essendon Coach James Hird return to his home town of Canberra, where he has strong ties with the Ainslie Football Club and Canberra AFL community.”
2013 NAB Cup games scheduled for NSW and the ACT:
Round 1
Sunday February 24, 4.40pm
Blacktown International Sportspark
Greater Western Sydney/Sydney Swans/Carlton
Round 2
Saturday March 2, 7.00pm
Robertson Oval, Wagga Wagga
Greater Western Sydney vs Brisbane Lions
Round 3
Friday March 8, 6.10pm
Manuka Oval, Canberra
Greater Western Sydney vs Essendon Bombers
Saturday March 9, 7.00pm
Blacktown International Sportspark
Sydney Swans vs Gold Coast Suns
