Simonds Stadium will play host to the fixture, meaning Brad Scott’s team will travel outside of Melbourne for each of its pre-season games.
The Kangaroos take on Carlton in Ballarat (Eureka Stadium, February 15) and Hawthorn in Tasmania (Aurora Stadium, February 21) before enjoying a fortnight’s break ahead of the Geelong game on March 7.
Coming up against three finalists from last season looms as the perfect preparation for a North side likely to include new recruit Nick Dal Santo and a host of players desperate to force their way into the best 22.
Minus the knockout system that has been in place previously, how teams approach the series will be intriguing. The opportunity to test new blood will be tempting, while the need to fine-tune game plans and tinker with potential Round 1 lineups is just as pressing.
Last season, North won three of its four NAB Cup clashes, only missing out on a Grand Final berth after a loss to Geelong. It followed several competitive training sessions between the two sides at the Cats’ home base, an arrangement which has been ruled out for this year.
The Kangaroos will kick off their home and away season with a Friday night blockbuster against Essendon on March 21.
2014 PRACTICE MATCH FIXTURE
Sunday, March 2
Gold Coast v Collingwood at Metricon Stadium, time tbc
Thursday, March 6
West Coast v Fremantle at Patersons Stadium, time tbc
Friday, March 7
Geelong v North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium, time tbc
Greater Western Sydney v Adelaide at Blacktown, time tbc
Carlton v Western Bulldogs at Visy Park, time tbc
Richmond v Essendon at Punt Road Oval or Craigieburn, time tbc
Saturday, March 8
Port Adelaide v St Kilda at Alberton Oval, time tbc
Melbourne v Hawthorn at Casey Fields, time tbc
Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans at Burpengary, time tbc
