North Melbourne could “own” Good Friday footy if the inaugural fixture proves a success.
AFL fixture’ boss Travis Auld told the Herald Sun if North Melbourne fans show out in force to the twilight match, it would likely be the Roos & Western Bulldogs to keep.
Both clubs’ plans to tie in with the long-running Good Friday Appeal will no doubt also play a part.
“It’s hard to take something off someone who’s doing such a good job,” Auld said.
“That’s the challenge for them. They know they’ve got it for a year definitely, but by all means they should make it really hard for us to take it off them.”
According to North Managing Director and CEO Carl Dilena, plans are already underway for the fixture, with the Roos set to work closely with the neighbouring Royal Children’s Hospital in the led up to the 2017 encounter.
“While we have a game to win, there’s also going to be a lot of cohesion between the clubs and the AFL as we work with the appeal organisers and Channel 7 to ensure there’s a good synergy between the two major events,” Dilena said.
“We’ve always had a great relationship with the Royal Children’s Hospital, as virtual neighbours, and look forward to helping make this day even greater.”