Brad Scott says the extreme heat in Wagga Wagga will help North’s preparations for Round 1 of the season proper.
With temperatures set to soar into the high 30's, Scott told NMFC.com.au the club wasn’t fearing the warm weather in this Saturday’s NAB Challenge clash against the Pies.
“We’re looking forward to the oppressive conditions,” Scott said on Friday.
“I think it gives us a really good hit out under tough conditions and that will just all add to our conditioning process for Round 1.”
With the AFL’s extreme heat policy activiated, the game will feature shortened quarters and extended breaks, ensuring the players can cope with the forecast top of 38 degrees.
Meanwhile, North has made a number of changes to the side that defeated St Kilda in the first NAB Challenge, with several veterans named in the squad to take on Collingwood.
Todd Goldstein, Nick Dal Santo and Daniel Wells are among those set for their first taste of competitive action in 2016.
Scott said the ability to mix up the team during the pre-season showed there was plenty of depth and availability at Arden St.
“We’ve got a really broad range of players playing different positions, so we think that’s going to give us a really good opportunity come Round 1 to pick a pretty balanced side,” he said.
“In terms of the priorities of the NAB Challenge we’ve really tried to expose some of our young players to the level, while also trying to get enough footy into our senior players to be absolutely ready for Round 1. That’s meant we’ve made 12 changes for this week’s game, I think that speaks to the availability of our list.
“There’s a fair turnover of players, but we still think it’s pretty balanced side.”
And among that depth is the club’s newest recruits, with North looking to blood another two young draftees this weekend, with Mitch Hibberd and Declan Mountford named in the 29-man squad.
“Declan has really impressed with his speed and penetration, particularly from a stoppage area,” Scott said.
“All the things we liked when we drafted those boys have impressed us through the pre-season, we’re looking forward to seeing how they go.”
Saturday’s clash from Wagga Wagga will be broadcast live and exclusive on Fox Footy from 4.30pm.
