However, it is not the first time VFL/AFL games have been played in Hobart. Fitzroy and Melbourne played at North Hobart Oval in round eight, 1952, and Fitzroy later hosted four 'home' games there from 1991-92.
WHERE AND WHEN: Blundstone Arena, Sunday, April 8, 1.10pm
THE FOUR POINTS
North Melbourne
1. North will be desperate to notch a first-up win at its new Hobart home. Club chairman James Brayshaw says Hobart is integral to North's plans to double its supporter base over the next 10-20 years, but acknowledges the club has much hard work to do to engage the local community. Putting on a strong on-field show against the Giants would be a good way to start.
2. The only Tasmanian on North's list, Nathan Grima, is an unlikely starter against the Giants. The key defender has not played since tearing a medial ligament in the NAB Cup on February 17. He will make his playing return this weekend if he passes a fitness test, but is likely to return in the VFL.
3. The Kangaroos pride themselves on their contested football but were beaten at the stoppages by Essendon in round one. In his first game as captain, Andrew Swallow led the way against the Bombers with eight clearances, but no other North player won more than three. The Kangaroos will look to make amends against the Giants and may bolster their team with inside ball-winners Levi Greenwood and Cruize Garlett.
4. Brad Scott was disappointed with the performance of ruck duo Todd Goldstein and Hamish McIntosh against the Bombers' Patrick Ryder and David Hille. Goldstein and McIntosh formed a highly effective partnership in 2010 before McIntosh missed all bar one game last season after Achilles tendon surgery. Goldstein excelled in McIntosh's absence and the challenge for Scott is juggling their respective ruck and forward-line workloads to get the best out of each.
Greater Western Sydney
1. How will the young Giants handle their first road trip? GWS will spend huge portions of the season on the road in 2012, including three 'home' games in Canberra, four trips to Melbourne, plus stops in Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Hobart, Gold Coast and Perth. They will need to adapt quickly.
2. What impact can Luke Power and Dean Brogan have on the young side? The two veterans, who retired last season before reversing their decisions and joining GWS, played practice matches last week and are set to face North Melbourne.
3. Can some of the young Giants maintain the high level they showed in round one? Tomas Bugg (27 disposals) and Adam Kennedy (28) were among those to shine against the Sydney Swans. Can they do it again in Hobart?
4. What game plan will the GWS coaching staff employ? Kevin Sheedy has admitted damage control - putting plenty of numbers behind the ball - was a key focus in round one. Will they take the game on against the Kangaroos?
AFL.com.au prediction: North Melbourne by 67 points
The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
