The opening round of the season will see the battle of two 2014 finalists, with both North Ballarat and Collingwood bundled out in the Elimination Final stage last year.
After playing a practice game last week, the two clubs will come face to face once again this weekend, look for the first four points of the season.
Round 1 has not been a happy hunting ground for the Roosters, not winning a Round 1 game since 2010.
We look at both clubs leading up to the weekend:
North Ballarat
Coach: Gerard FitzGerald (9th year – 15 total)
Captain: Matt Austin / Myles Sewell
2014 finish: 8th
2014 best & fairest: Liam Anthony/Nick Peters
Last premiership: 2010
Alignment: North Melbourne (partial)
Notable ins: Orren Stephenson (Richmond), Myles Sewell (returning) James Lukich (Bendigo) Jesse Collins (Bendigo), Jared Bacon (Bendigo), Rowan Marshall (North Ballarat Rebels), Andrew Hooper (Glenelg)
Notable outs: Lucas Cook (Port Melbourne), Michael Searl (retired)
A return to finals football last year was fitting for VFL/VFA record breaking coach Gerard FitzGerald. It will be a flashback to their premiership years this season with Orren Stephenson and Myles Sewell to renew their partnership in the middle with both returning to the club. Departures have been at a minimum, as the Roosters start to plan for life as a standalone VFL side in 2016, with North Melbourne moving into a full alignment with Werribee; bringing to an end the unique partial alignment that has been in place since 2008. The close relationship between the Roosters and TAC Cup side North Ballarat Rebels, that has produced the likes of Nick Rippon, Tony Lockyer, Nick Peter and Lachie George, is set to continue with Rowan Marshall leading the next crop, set to start his ruck apprenticeship under the Stephenson. Have also provided a home for a number of Bendigo Gold players.
Collingwood
Coach: Dale Tapping (3rd year)
Captain: Jack Hellier
2014 finish: 7th
2014 best & fairest: Kyle Martin
Last premiership: 1896
Alignment: AFL standalone
Notable ins: Michael Still (West Adelaide), Jesse Wallin (Bendigo), Jordon Collopy (returning), Jeremy Taylor (Gold Coast Suns), Ben Monkhorst (Box Hill Hawks)
Notable outs: Mat Suckling (Norwood), Nick Riddle (NFL), Lachlan Ferguson (travel), Tom Couch (Bell Park), Glenn Strachan (Northern Blues)
Finalists in recent years, Collingwood has had a terrible run of luck with key recruits in recent years, with the injuries to the likes of Mat Suckling and Tom Couch ensuring they have struggled to field near their best side. They will be hoping key signings Michael Still (SANFL) and Jeremy Taylor (Gold Coast Suns) stay away from the doctors room this season. Back to back best and fairest winner, AFL listed Kyle Martin quit the club last year to return to local football, but with the return of injured youngster Nathan Freeman and the injection of the likes of Darcy Moore, Jordan DeGoey, Matthew Goodyear and Brayden Maynard in the draft for Collingwood, youthful enthusiasm will not be in short supply for the Magpies VFL side. Also look out for some familiar Magpie names with Jack Blair (brother of Jarryd), Ned McKeown (son of Ron - on development list) and Ben Monkhurst (son of Damian) on the list this year.
Last Modified on 17/04/2015 10:02
