After four rounds of grading in the Goulburn Murray Junior Football League, the two divisions have been sorted, with the real season starting on Sunday afternoon.
A nail-biting clash between Mooroopna and Shepparton United highlighted division one’s series of under-16 round one matches.
United got off to a fast start, outscoring the Cats 32-13 in the first quarter.
However, Mooroopna clawed its way back into the match over the following two terms, evening the contest.
The Cats then blew United out of the water in a blistering fourth-quarter display (scoring 33-15) to come storming home and claim a three-point win (85-82).
Mooroopna’s co-captains Jayden Thorne and Noah Williams were best-on for the home side in the tight win.
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Flying high: Shepparton United's Zaine Atkinson-Mcguinness and Mooroopna's Cooper Gow contest in the ruck. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
Concentrating: Mooroopna's Benjamin Calvert. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
On the mark: Mooroopna's Luke Hamilton watches Shepparton United's Lochlan Prosser kick inside 50. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Smothered? Mooroopna's Cody Maksacheff and Shepparton United's Lucas O'Hora. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
Who’s open? Mooroopna's Brodie Maksacheff. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
Up close and personal: Shepparton United's Saxon Parker tries to slow down a Mooroopna player. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
Pressure is on: Shepparton United's Lucas O'Hora goes to tackle Mooroopna's Cody Maksacheff. Photo by Rechelle ZammitIn other division one, round one matches, Shepparton Swans defeated Echuca Murray Bombers at home by eight points, with the scores finishing 11.8 (74) to 10.6 (66).
Kyabram claimed the biggest victory of the round, defeating Echuca by 82 points away from home.
Shepp Notre Bears Gold defeated Tatura at Tatura Park by 34 points, while Shepp Notre Maroon had the bye.
In division two, Seymour lost to Moama by 19 points, 30-49.
Euroa defeated Broadford by 118 points, with the Magpies’ Archie Wilson and Ethan Saxon kicking four goals apiece.
Yea got its season started in fine fashion at home with a 36-point victory over Alexandra.
News photographer Rechelle Zammit was on hand to capture the action.