The Swans opening 2011 pre-season Cup round-robin matches against AFL newcomers the GWS Giants and the Gold Coast Suns will help raise funds for football communities around the nation which have suffered as a result of recent flooding.

The AFL announced today it will donate 15 per cent of all gate receipts - roughly $3 from each ticket to the opening round of the NAB cup competition -  to support football clubs and facilities that have been damaged by recent flooding.

Swans coach John Longmire's family has been affected by floods in the Riverina area of New South Wales. The picture on the right was taken at Longmire's brothers property in Corowa.

The AFL, its Clubs and players, have already pledged $650,000 to the Premier’s Disaster Relief appeal, and it is hoped another $500,000 can be raised during the opening round of the pre-season competition through this latest initiative.

A series of fundraising activities, including special nine-a-side Legends and Celebrity matches, will also be staged during the first round of the pre-season competition as part of the response by clubs and the AFL to the floods.

Swans members can pre-purchase tickets on Monday, January 31, by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com.au, phoning 1300 136 122 or visiting a Ticketmaster outlet. The presale closes at 5pm on Tuesday, February 1.  Members will require a password that has been forwarded by email on Friday, January 28.

The full match and ticketing details are as follow:


Venue:  Blacktown Olympic Park, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill
Date: Saturday 19 February 2011
Gates Open: 5.00pm

Game Times (local):
Greater Western Sydney vs Sydney Swans - 7:15pm
Sydney Swans vs Gold Coast Suns - 8:20pm
Greater Western Sydney vs Gold Coast Suns - 9:25pm

Ticket prices:
Adult: $23.30
Concession: $14.30
Junior U18: $6.30
Family (up to 4 juniors): $46.60