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This article was published on Tuesday, 28 October, 2014. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

2015 AFL NAB Challenge

North Melbourne and Hawthorn will take part in the match, which will be televised nationally over the March Labour Day long weekend.

Greater Shepparton Deputy Mayor Dennis Patterson said this announcement further strengthens Greater Shepparton’s reputation as regional Victoria’s sporting event capital.

“This builds on a number of other new significant major events already confirmed to be held in Greater Shepparton in 2015 and 2016 including the Junior Davis and Federation Cup Asia Oceania Qualifying Tie, BMX Australia National series rounds, Australian Motorcycle Speedway Series Round and the Tennis Seniors Australia Australian Teams Carnival and Australian Individual Championships,” Cr Patterson said

“This match will be televised live nationally, which will give Council the opportunity to showcase the fantastic facilities we have at Deakin Reserve.

“We expect a crowd of between 7,000 and 10,000 people generating a significant economic impact of between $500,000 and $1million for the local economy.

“Council will be working closely with Shepparton Show Me to leverage this event by promoting our destination in a strong campaign as the place to visit and stay over the long weekend to maximise the thousands of visitors that will converge on Shepparton”

“I congratulate the Council staff who have worked closely with AFL Goulburn Murray to prepare and submit the bid to host this event.”

AFL Chief Executive Officer, Gillon McLachlan, said the NAB Challenge was about taking the game to fans right around the country.

“The NAB Challenge is an opportunity for fans to see the game’s best players in their own backyard,” Mr McLachlan said.

“Importantly next year’s competition will be played at a number of regional and suburban centres which means a host of fans will be able to enjoy AFL football first hand, many of whom wouldn’t usually get the opportunity.

“Football has a deep connection to the Shepparton community which is why we’re delighted to be staging a NAB Challenge match at Deakin Reserve next year. And to have two quality Victorian clubs competing in what will be an outstanding contest is testament to the support the game enjoys in the Greater Shepparton area.”

AFL Goulburn Murray Region General Manager Martin Gleeson said having an AFL game in the region is a great way to connect the elite with the local community

“The event will be a celebration of our national game and further reinforces the game’s place in the community,” Mr Gleeson said.