Geelong are expected to open their 2024 season and unveil their new stand at Kardinia Park against St Kilda in the latest draft of the AFL's fixture for next year.
Details of the 2024 AFL fixture have continued to be leaked to the public ahead of the expected release of the draw on Thursday, November 16.
The league is said to be strongly considering a 'Round Zero' opening to the new season, where as many as four games could be held in the northern states of the country before a more traditional return is made for Round 1 - with Richmond and Carlton to play the first game in Victoria after potentially travelling to Queensland the week prior.
Collingwood and Melbourne are also expected to play in Sydney against GWS and the Swans respectively to open the new-look fixture, with those clubs partaking in 'Round Zero' likely to be scheduled for a bye after the first month of matches.
While the Round 1 fixture is not yet confirmed, a meeting between the Cats and Saints at GMHBA Stadium is being strongly considered, according toย The Age.
gathers the ball during the round 21 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the St Kilda Saints at GMHBA Stadium on August 06, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
That match would take place on the Saturday night - March 16 - in front of a near 40,000-strong crowd given the finalised development of the new 14,000-seat stand at Geelong's home ground.
The Saints have travelled down to the Pivot City on four occasions in the last six seasons and could now return to Kardinia Park in 2024 after the two clubs met at Marvel Stadium in Round 23 this year.
St Kilda's opening test might also be followed by a clash against the reigning premiers, with a Round 2 encounter with Collingwood also said to be part of the likely plans for the early rounds of 2024.
That would see the Saints face the last two premiers to open their second season under the returned Ross Lyon, who will be seeking to assure fans, and foes, the club's September finish this year was no fluke.
The Saints-Magpies clash would be Collingwood's third of the season and St Kilda's second, with Craig McRae set to make the trip up to Sydney for a preliminary final rematch against the Giants for 'Round Zero' before returning to Victoria for the following fortnight at least.
The Pies could then venture interstate once again for Round 3 before heading to South Australia for the second edition of the AFL's Gather Round. - scheduled for Round 4.
