North Melbourne will begin its 2016 campaign against St Kilda, Collingwood and reigning premiers Hawthorn in next year’s NAB Challenge.

Brad Scott’s side will play the Saints in Wangaratta on Saturday, February 20 before heading to Wagga Wagga in country NSW to take on the Pies a fortnight later.

North’s pre-season preparations will finish with a clash against the Hawks at more familiar surrounds at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, March 12 with a 7.10pm start.

The NAB Challenge will see all clubs play three games across a four week period, with the majority played in regional Australia, allowing country fans to experience footy in their own backyard.

Each year, the AFL also experiments with various rule changes in the pre-season campaign, however, any changes in 2016 are yet to be confirmed.

The Roos will take on Adelaide in Round 1 of the 2016 AFL season, with the remaining fixture to be released on Thursday, October 29.

Match 1

Saturday February 20
St Kilda vs. North Melbourne
Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta
2:05pm EDT

Match 2
Saturday March 5
North Melbourne vs. Collingwood
Robertson Oval, Wagga Wagga
4:40pm EDT

Match 3
Saturday March 12
Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne
Etihad Stadium
7:10pm EDT