North Melbourne fans are big beneficiaries following the release of the 2018 fixture according to Managing Director and CEO Carl Dilena.
“Our members and supporters should be really excited with the fixture as it’s well balanced and gives them plenty of opportunities to see the team play,” he said.
“We play at our home ground, Etihad Stadium, eleven times across the season and in all, it’s a very family friendly schedule with several Sunday games where kids enter free.”
On field, Dilena expects improvement.
“Finishing 15th last year was disappointing but this fixture allows our young playing group a chance to really step up.
“We showed last season that when we have our best 22 available, we can compete with and beat any side in the competition.”
Commercially however, Dilena says the fixture is a lot weaker than in previous years.
“It will be a challenging year but with some uplift on field together with the ongoing support of our members an fans, we will make the most of it.”
North will have to capitalise on its second Good Friday blockbuster and home games against reigning premiers Richmond and Hawthorn.
Three home games in Tasmania also providing some good opportunities for the club.
“It all kicks off down at Blundstone in Round 4 under lights against Carlton and we’re expecting a lot of demand for that game in particular,” Dilena said.
“It’s the first time Carlton has played in Hobart and we’re encouraging fans of both clubs to buy tickets early, because they won’t last.”
Sync your calendar with the 2018 fixture
