2003 Draw released; Geelong gets fairly good run
October 3 2002

After much anticipation and controlled leaks, the 2003 AFL draw was released today. Geelong plays 3 of the first 6 matches at Skilled Stadium, with no home games at Telstra Dome until round 9, against the old nemesis, Hawthorn. Geelong opens the season with an away game against the Western Bulldogs at the Telstra Dome, which from this point onwards will be known as the Mil Hanna Dome.

Geelong does not have to play any matches in Adelaide in 2003 which will devastate the loyal fans in South Australia and the Northern Territory, but Perth fans can see the Cats twice, in rounds 7 and 12. Other interstate trips are Sydney in round 8, Kangaroos in Canberra, round 17, and finally Brisbane Lions round 21. So, on past form, somebody from the Lions will win the Brownlow in 2003.

Geelong play 5 night games, but only one of them is a home match, which is a Saturday night game at Mil Hanna Dome against Collingwood. Last year's clash between Geelong and Collingwood drew some 65,000 people at the MCG, at a Collingwood home game. Mil Hanna Dome can only fit a touch over 52,000, as well as being far less profitable, so Geelong is missing out on upwards of $150,000. But all in all a good draw.

Full Draw