Download the 2014 fixture here
Six-day breaks
2013: 8
2014: 8
With two more Friday night games than 2013, an increase in six-day breaks could have been expected. In a pleasant surprise this isn’t the case.
However the one difference is that 2014 brings two sets of back-to-back six-day breaks, compared to zero in 2013. The first set occurs in Rounds 4-6 and the second in Rounds 14-16.
Etihad/MCG split
2013: 13 games at Etihad, 2 at MCG
2014: 11 games at Etihad, 2 at MCG
If there was one major external criticism of North this year, it was its struggle away from Etihad Stadium. Two fewer games at the ground in 2014 gives the side the opportunity to right that wrong.
Interstate trips (excluding Hobart)
2013: 5
2014: 6
Once again North will travel to Perth twice, Adelaide once and Brisbane once.
There is no Gold Coast trip in 2014, but it will be replaced by a trek to the SCG and a return to a ground many North fans will be familiar with, StarTrack Oval (formerly Manuka Oval) in Canberra.
North played home games at the venue from 1998 to 2006, winning 11 of its 18 fixtures.
From the club’s last match at the ground, only Michael Firrito, Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Andrew Swallow and Daniel Wells remain on the list.
Games against top eight sides from previous year
2013: 11
2014: 9
With the new fixture structure, North had to face at least two of Collingwood, Richmond, Essendon, Adelaide and Brisbane twice.
In drawing Adelaide (11th in 2013) and Brisbane (12th in 2013) from the pool, it was inevitable the total games against top eight sides would slide.
North also faces Melbourne, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs twice in 2014.
Free-to-air games
2013: 10
2014: 10 (one TBD)
On a pure numbers basis there has been no increase, but in 2013 the 10 free-to-air games included five Sunday afternoon games and a Saturday afternoon delayed game.
North’s attractive brand of football was clearly a hit with the networks and fans alike, with its 2014 broadcasting schedule on free-to-air including five Friday night games and three Saturday night games in prime-time.
Timeslots
Friday nights
2013: 3
2014: 5
Saturday afternoon/twilight
2013: 7
2014: 5
Saturday night
2013: 2
2014: 3
Sunday early/afternoon
2013: 6
2014: 3
Sunday twilight/night
2013: 4
2014: 5
The extra Friday night games have led to a decrease in games on Saturday and Sunday. The Sunday twilight figure is slightly misleading as North has two genuine Sunday night games in 2014.
The West Coast clash at Patersons and the Round 12 Richmond clash are both followed by public holidays, meaning they’ll loom as blockbuster fixtures.
