Top level AFL will return to the Nation’s Capital next season with the announcements of both the NAB Cup draw and the 2010 Toyota AFL Premiership Season this week.
On February 14, 2010, Canberra’s AFL Community will see 2009 final series contenders the Western Bulldogs go head to head with the Brisbane Lions in their first pre season game of the season for the NAB Cup at Manuka Oval. Following this, the Western Bulldogs will return to Manuka to take on the Sydney Swans on Saturday 8 May in Round eight of the 2010 AFL Toyota Premiership Season.
Welcoming this week’s Draw announcements was Minister Andrew Barr, ACT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation.
"The ACT Government is very pleased that we have been able to work with the AFL to bring quality matches to Canberra in the 2010 season.
“I’m sure Canberra’s AFL fans will be keen to head to Manuka Oval to see the Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions pre-season game in February. The prospect of finals contenders Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans clashing early in the season will also pull a strong crowd to Manuka.”
Despite the Valentines Day draw, tension will be high at Manuka on the 14th of February with the Western Bulldogs meeting the Brisbane Lions for the first time since knocking the Queensland side out of 2009 finals series with a crushing 51 point victory in the semi finals at the MCG last September.
“We have been playing in Canberra for the last three years and are very excited to be coming back to Manuka Oval for the NAB Cup in 2010. We look forward to continue building our relationships with the people of the ACT and Southern NSW, while growing the Western Bulldogs brand across Australia” said Western Bulldogs Chief Executive Campbell Rose on the announcement of the ACT fixture.
The Western Bulldogs along with latest recruit former Sydney Swan, Barry Hall will again return to what can be referred to as their home away from home on Saturday 15 May to take on a new look Sydney Swans side, well stocked with young talent and bolstered with experienced players including co captains Brett Kirk, Craig Bolton and Adam Goodes along with the likes of Ryan O’Keefe and Jude Bolton.
“We’re delighted with the scheduling of the Western Bulldogs match at Manuka Oval this year. It will no doubt be a fantastic game.
“We always look forward to playing in Canberra. Manuka Oval is a great, intimate venue and we’ve got a fantastic member and supporter base there. We hope they’ll be there again next year to cheer us on,” said Andrew Ireland, Chief Executive, Sydney Swans.
Event Dates
14 February 2009 Western Bulldogs v Brisbane NAB Cup Manuka Oval
15 May 2009 Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans 2010 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
Ticketing details to follow shortly
Website Editor