Patrick Dangerfield is chased by Devon Smith during the 2020 Marsh Community Series clash between Geelong and Essendon at Central Reserve in Colac on March 9, 2020. Picture: AFL Photos

The AFL has today announced the fixture for the 2021 AFL Community Series which will see all 18 AFL Clubs play two matches over three weeks as part of the men's pre-season schedule.

Commencing on Thursday February 18, 2021, the opening game will see the Geelong Cats host Essendon at GMHBA Stadium with the first bounce at 7:10pm AEDT.

The Friday night game will see the West Coast Eagles host St Kilda at Leederville Oval at 7:40pm AEDT before Saturday's matches sees Collingwood host Hawthorn at Morwell Oval at 3:10pm AEDT and the GWS GIANTS host the Sydney Swans at Blacktown International Sports Park at 6:10pm AEDT.

On Sunday February 21, Port Adelaide will host Carlton in Whyalla with the first bounce at 5:10pm AEDT.

Our two objectives for the pre-season fixture are to give clubs the best opportunity to prepare ahead of the season and to take matches to supporters in local and regional communities

- Travis Auld

The AFL Community Series will see a total of 18 matches played at 18 different venues across the country.

Five matches will be played in Week One, four matches will be played in Week Two, and Week Three will see nine matches with all teams playing to ensure equal preparation leading into Round One of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

All clubs will have a minimum seven-day break between matches and all matches in the 2021 AFL Community Series will reflect the same rules and game length in place for the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Matches will be played at local and regional venues including: Manuka Oval (ACT), Blacktown International Sportspark (NSW), C.ex Coffs International Stadium (Coffs Harbour) (NSW), Lavington Sports Ground (NSW), GMHBA Stadium (VIC), Morwell Recreation Reserve (VIC), Metricon Stadium (QLD), Bennett Oval (Whyalla) (SA), Flinders University Stadium (Noarlunga) (SA), North Hobart Oval (TAS), University of Tasmania Stadium (TAS), Casey Fields (VIC), Ikon Park (VIC), RSEA Park (VIC), Victoria University, Whitten Oval (VIC), David Grays Arena (Mandurah) (WA), Fremantle Oval (WA), Leederville Oval (WA).

All 2021 AFL Community Series matches will be broadcast live on FOX FOOTY, Kayo and through the AFL Live Official App, thanks to Telstra.

>> Click here to download a PDF fixture for the 2021 AFL Community Series

AFL Executive General Manager of Broadcasting Travis Auld said the AFL Community Series plays an important role for both AFL clubs and supporters.

"Our two objectives for the pre-season fixture are to give clubs the best opportunity to prepare ahead of the season and to take matches to supporters in local and regional communities," Mr Auld said

"The AFL Community Series will see football played at local grounds right across the country and we are really looking forward to connecting the elite men's game to regional and suburban footy grounds, allowing fans to be able to watch their teams in action in their own backyard.

"This Series celebrates the important role Australian Football plays in each community and the impact the game has on local businesses and people who support and love the game."

Ticketing arrangements for the 2021 AFL Community Series will be advised in due course.

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