The Geelong Football Club will have the privilege of commencing the 2027 AFL season, when they head to the SCG to take on Sydney in the season opening match next year. 

As announced by the AFL on Tuesday afternoon, the game will kick off what is set to be a blockbuster season for the competition, with the two teams to square off on a Wednesday night in the Emerald City. 

While it has not necessarily been a common occurrence, it will not be Geelong's first experience with football in the middle of the week, with the club featuring in four previous matches on a Wednesday. 

It is a fascinating history that includes a game during the COVID era, a Centenary Celebration at the MCG, and two other matches stretching right back to the formation of the competition. 

Take a look back at the four matches in preparation for Geelong's Wednesday season opening clash in 2027. 

2020 - A Battle at the Gabba

Geelong 13.12 (90) def. North Melbourne 9.3 (57)

The COVID era threw up some simply astonishing match-ups over the course of two seasons, and Geelong certainly were not exempt from that trend.

Most people who were in lockdown around the country were happy to have football to watch, but one could not help but feel strange watching Geelong 'host' North Melbourne at the Gabba in Brisbane, in a Wednesday twilight slot. 

It was a situation that occurred in Round 10 of the 2020 season, with the Cats professionally taking care of business despite the unusual circumstances. 

North Melbourne took up the challenge early, Geelong needing to shake off some early inaccuracy in front of the big sticks, before pulling away late to record a solid 33-point win. 

Cam Guthrie (29 disposals) was outstanding, Gryan Miers (11 disposals, four goals) led the way inside 50, while Tom Hawkins (three goals) also made his presence felt. 

1996 - A Centenary Celebration at the MCG

Essendon 22.11 (143) def. Geelong 17.12 (114)

Perhaps the most famous and memorable of Geelong's Wednesday clashes came in 1996, when the Cats faced the Bombers in the AFL's Centenary Celebration at the MCG. 

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of this great game, the two sides participated in the festivities and even reverted to their former names, the 'Same Olds' and the Pivotonians to recognise their Round 1 clash in the inaugural VFL season back in 1897. 

Both teams donned hats, special guernseys and knickerbockers as they burst through the banner, while Bruce McAvaney also looked the part in a top hat and suit in the commentary box. 

Patrons were involved outside the MCG, with fans rocking up in fancy dress from the era, horse-drawn carriages offering rides around the precinct, and penny-farthings even getting a run by skilled riders. 

The game itself was intense, with Billy Brownless kicking five goals and John Barnes impressing in his 99th game, but it was not enough as Geelong fell short against a Joe Misiti and Darren Bewick-led Essendon team. 

Click here to view the AFL's full replay of the game. 

1920 - A Wednesday VFL Bonanza

Fitzroy 13.18 (96) def. Geelong 8.8 (56)

Geelong took on Fitzroy at Brunswick Street in 1920, another Wednesday spectacle but this time, it was a morning match with a 10.45am start time. 

The Cats were led by star forward Lloyd Hagger, who was a Geelong premiership player (1925), a Geelong captain (1924), a four-time Cats leading goal-kicker and a winner of the VFL's leading goal-kicker award (1925). 

They were also under the watchful eye of captain/coach Alec Eason, with a team that also included the likes of Cliff Rankin and Percy Martini. 

After a strong start to the contest, Geelong faded in the second quarter and ultimately succumbed to a strong Fitzroy outfit, falling by 40 points. 

1899 - A Low-Scoring Battle in Geelong

Geelong 0.8 (8) def. by Fitzroy 4.8 (32)

The third season of the VFL was a memorable one for Geelong, finishing second on the ladder and narrowly missing out on a spot in the Grand Final. 

The Cats were spearheaded by Eddy James, the competition's leading goal-kicker in the 1899 season and Geelong's leading goal-kicker across their first three VFL seasons. 

Also part of the side was Joe McShane, Geelong's first best and fairest winner, along with Teddy Greeves, the father of the famous Ed 'Carji' Greeves, and Teddy Rankin also featured. 

Unfortunately, this Wednesday battle was not a memorable one in an otherwise strong year, with Geelong held to their lowest V/AFL score by an impressive Fitzroy team. 

GEELONG'S V/AFL WEDNESDAY GAMES