The game order for the opening round of the NAB Cup has been announced, with the Swans getting their first taste of competitive football for 2012 against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on February 24.
The Swans will face the Saints from 6.40pm in a repeat of last year’s elimination final at the same venue, before meeting 2011 premiers Geelong in the second game of the triangular series. The triple-header of shortened matches will then conclude with St Kilda playing Geelong.
The Swans will meet North Melbourne in round 2 of the NAB Cup at Bruce Purser Reserve the following Saturday afternoon, before returning to Etihad Stadium to play Essendon in round 3.
The two best performed teams based on wins and percentage will compete in the NAB Cup Grand Final on Saturday March 17. The 16 other clubs will play practice matches on the same weekend in various metropolitan cities across the country.
The Swans games in round 1 and 3 of the NAB Cup will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.
2012 NAB Cup match order
February 17, Etihad Stadium from 6.45pm: Richmond v North Melbourne, North Melbourne v Hawthorn and Richmond v Hawthorn
February 18, Blacktown from 7.15pm: Greater Western Sydney v Western Bulldogs, Western Bulldogs v Collingwood and Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney
February 19, Patersons Stadium from 4.45pm local: West Coast v Essendon, Fremantle v Essendon and West Coast v Fremantle
February 24, Etihad Stadium from 6.40pm: St Kilda v Sydney Swans, Geelong v Sydney Swans and St Kilda v Geelong
February 25, Metricon Stadium from 6.10pm local time: Gold Coast v Melbourne, Brisbane Lions v Melbourne and Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions
February 26, AAMI Stadium from 2.40pm local time: Port Adelaide v Carlton, Adelaide v Carlton and Port Adelaide v Adelaide
