As the players return to training for the start of the new year, the months ahead have been mapped out for a new-look Northern Blues squad.
The 2016 Peter Jackson VFL fixture has been released, and Northern Blues Media has taken a look at six matches that Blues supporters can’t afford to miss in 2016.
Round 1 vs. Footscray (Whitten Oval) – Sunday April 10, 11am
Josh Fraser faces one of the more difficult tests in the VFL in his first game as senior coach, as the Blues travel to Whitten Oval to play Footscray. The Dogs will be out to redeem themselves after a disappointing end to 2015, where their 2014 Premiership defence ended via a straight sets exit in the finals. The Blues will be looking to erase the memories of the last time they ventured West, as Footscray ran away with a 103-point win.
Round 2 vs. Geelong (Simonds Stadium) – Friday April 15, 7pm
The Blues front up the next week under lights for the first time in nearly two years, travelling to the Cattery to face Geelong. The Cats have proven to be a thorn in the side of the Blues in the past few seasons. Should Northern triumph at Simonds Stadium, it will be their first victory over the Cats since 2011.
Round 5 vs. Casey Scorpions (Casey Fields) – Sunday May 8, 2pm
A personal milestone in Round 5 with captain and life member Brent Bransgrove scheduled to play his 100th game for the club. The ever-reliable, inspirational skipper finished the 2015 season sitting on 95 games, having injured himself against the Scorpions at Ikon Park late last year. Save the date.
Clem Smith in action against Werribee, 2015. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Round 7 vs. Coburg (Preston City Oval) – Sunday May 22, 2pm
The Battle of Bell Street returns to Cramer Street for the 152nd instalment, with the Blues hosting their local rival in the final of three home games at Preston City Oval in 2016. Coburg have recently had bragging rights over the Blues, having prevailed by two points on Queen’s Birthday in one of the closest Battles of Bell Street in history.
Round 12 vs. Sandringham (Ikon Park) – Saturday June 25, 2:10pm
The Northern Blues return to your television screens in Round 12 next season, with the home game against Sandringham scheduled to be televised on 7Sport. Clashes between the two sides have been particularly noteworthy in the past, with a stirring three-point victory by the Blues coming in 2015 as well as the VFL debut of the great Chris Judd coming against the Zebras two seasons ago.
Round 20 vs. Williamstown (Ikon Park) – Saturday August 20, 2pm
The Blues host the reigning premiers in the final Ikon Park home game of season 2016. The Round 20 clash with Williamstown will be the return bout after the Blues travel to Burbank Oval in Round 6. An added narrative to the clash is the presence of Ben Casley, who defected from Williamstown to Northern in the 2015/16 off-season.
A highlight of the Northern Blues’ 2016 fixture is the fact that the Club’s request that no game direct clashes with Carlton has been heeded, giving Bluebaggers every chance to see their young guns in action.
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