What is it?
The new and improved pre-season competition features 18 matches played consecutively across 18 days all around Australia. Each team plays two matches in the period and there is no declared winner. Curiously, all 18 teams have one more scheduled practice match before the season starts, but that is not part of the 'NAB Challenge'. Go figure!
When does it start?
The competition kicks off with Geelong taking on Collingwood at Simonds Stadium on Wednesday February 12 at 7.10pm. All the matches are held in the evenings with a few twilight matches across the 18-day period.
Where are the matches held?
Regular AFL venues Etihad Stadium, Simonds Stadium, Metricon Stadium, Aurora Stadium, StarTrack (Manuka) Oval and Blacktown International Sportspark all host matches. But regional grounds such as Eureka Stadium in North Ballarat, Richmond Oval in Adelaide, Arena Joondalup in Perth, Wangaratta Showgrounds, Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville, TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs and Robertson Oval in Wagga Wagga.
Where to watch it?
FoxFooty will be broadcasting every match live so if you are desperate for live sport during the week then at least you have something to watch. You might be best served to watch on mute with Dwayne Russell likely to be talking up potential premiership fancies and plenty of other guff from the commentary box.
Who has the best draw?
Hawthorn. The reigning premiers are the only team to avoid a regional venue with matches at Etihad Stadium and Aurora Stadium eight days apart. Opponent doesn't matter, it's all about travel and venues.
Who has the worst draw?
St Kilda. The team many expect to finish last this year won't be playing in front of many spectators with matches at Simonds Stadium against the Western Bulldogs and in Wagga Wagga against the Giants.
Lowest crowd?
A toss up between either of the Saints' matches. Most likely the one against GWS in Wagga Wagga.
Who to look out for?
The pre-season competition is always good for raising supporters' hopes though some encouraging performances by a team's youngsters. Melbourne's Jesse Hogan will be one to watch with the boom teenager tipped for big things. Gold Coast's Jack Martin – the other player taken in the 2012 mini draft – is another to keep a close eye on.
Who will be talked up in fantasy circles?
Last year we had Patrick Karnezis and this year it's looking like young Demon Viv Michie. The former Docker managed just one game in three years in Perth, but looks set to flourish under Paul Roos and will be a key member of Melbourne's midfield. Let's hope he has a better season than Karnezis, who never really got going last year.
Who will take it seriously?
Only diehard fans and even then it's a stretch. Clubs will be solely focused on getting through injury free and giving match time to youngsters.
Things you'll see that mean absolutely nothing for the real season
Pictures of commentators giggling in the FoxFooty box; footage of security staff trying to find the ball amidst empty rows of seats; Some familiar faces with new haircuts and Richmond winning.
Things you won't see
James Hird anywhere and Andrew Demetriou in Wagga Wagga.