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This article was published on Tuesday, 27 October, 2015. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.

AFL NAB Challenge returns to Deakin in 2016

Essendon and Geelong will take part in the match on Saturday 5 March.

Greater Shepparton Dennis Patterson said this announcement further strengthens Greater Shepparton’s reputation as regional Victoria’s sporting event capital and builds on the success of this year’s NAB Challenge event between Hawthorn and North Melbourne.

“We have a number of significant events confirmed to be held in Greater Shepparton next year including the Australian Seniors Tennis Teams Carnival in January BMX Australia national series in February, Basketball Victoria under 14 Championship in April, National Motorx in July and September’s Victorian Teachers Games,” Cr Patterson said

“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.”

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

"The NAB Challenge continues to take our game across the country to regional and suburban grounds that don't normally host AFL football during our regular premiership season," Mr McLachlan said.

"The support of NAB, by taking our games in the pre-season away from the major metropolitan venues, enables our game to strengthen its roots in the community.

“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 when the Cats meet the Bombers. 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.