PROS: Three games at Simonds Stadium between rounds nine and 11, including a marquee clash against reigning premier the Western Bulldogs in round nine after stadium works are complete in mid-May.

CONS: The Cats have been handed eight six-day breaks within their fixture, the equal most in the competition (along with Hawthorn, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs). Just seven home games at Simonds Stadium, after eight in 2016. 

PLAY TWICE: Hawthorn, Adelaide, Collingwood, Greater Western Sydney, Fremantle 

BYE: Round 12 

FIRST FOUR WEEKS: Fremantle (a), North Melbourne (h), Melbourne (h), Hawthorn (a)

LAST FOUR WEEKS: Sydney Swans (h), Richmond (h), Collingwood (a), Greater Western Sydney (h)

SIX-DAY BREAKS: Eight

THEY SAY: "We understand why the AFL has scheduled only seven games at Simonds Stadium in 2017. Whilst we are disappointed by this outcome, we are pleased by the number of 'big ticket' games that have been scheduled at the ground," Cats chief executive Brian Cook said.

WE SAY: With eight six-day breaks during the season, Geelong's conditioning staff will have a busy job preparing the players to back it up the next week. Not having eight home games at Simonds Stadium stings a little, although four appearances on Friday night and two on Thursday night emphasises how watchable the Cats are. - Ben Guthrie