Trade period is over, the fixture has been announced, and now all eyes are on the return of the North Melbourne players in preparation for the 2014 season.

NMFC.com.au highlights the key upcoming dates on the football calendar.

Friday 1 November - Gillette AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (1) commences.

Wednesday 6 November - 1-4 year North Melbourne players return to training/time trial.

Wednesday 13 November - Gillette AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (1) closes.

Thursday 14 November by 2pm - List lodgement (2).

Friday 15 November - Gillette AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (2) commences.

Friday 15 November - All North Melbourne players back for training. Team departs for Utah.

Monday 18 November - Gillette AFL Delisted Free Agency Period (2) concludes.

Thursday 21 November - NAB AFL National Draft at Gold Coast Convention Centre.

Friday 22 November - Gillette AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (3) commences.

Monday 25 November - Gillette AFL Delisted Free Agency Period (3) concludes; AFL club list lodgement (3); notification of NSW and QLD pre-selected rookies, Father-Son pre-selected rookies, Academy pre-selected rookies, International Scholarship pre-selected rookies and Scholarship pre-selected rookies nominated if not selected in the Pre-Season Draft.

Wednesday 27 November - NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft selection meeting (11am); NAB AFL Rookie Draft selection meeting (11.10am).

Monday 2 December - Final list lodgement.

Friday 5 December – North Melbourne squad departs Utah.

Saturday 14 December – Family Day/open training at Aegis Park.

Saturday 21 December – Players begin Christmas break.

Tuesday 7 January, 2014 – 1-4 year players resume training.

Thursday 9 January, 2014 – 5+ year players resume training.