Hugh Byrne will be key for Echuca in its bid to reclaim the GVL premiership.
Easter is almost upon us, which means the footy season is almost here, and in 2026 there is a smorgasbord of action to sink your teeth into across the local leagues.
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In the Goulburn Valley League, Echuca is aiming to reclaim its crown after a tough 2025 saw the Murray Bombers unable to continue a historic premiership streak.
Kyabram now enters 2026 as the new premier, with Rochester, Mansfield, Euroa and Shepparton likely to make up the contingent of contenders.
Mooroopna will look to bounce back after a tough year, Seymour and the Shepparton Swans are eyeing finals, while Benalla, Tatura and Shepparton United are all seeking improvement.
The season commences on Easter weekend, with Echuca opening its campaign against Tatura.
There will also be a host of special rounds in the GVL this year, including Anzac Round in round four, Say NO to Violence Round in round eight, King’s Birthday weekend in round nine and Indigneous Round in round 13.
The pick of the Murray Bombers’ special fixtures is undoubtedly a trip to take on Kyabram on Anzac Day in a night fixture at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
Liam Tenace is one of many forward threats Echuca will pose in 2026.
Interleague is also scheduled for July 11 at Elsternwick Park, while round 16 will be split, with three games each on August 1 and August 8.
In the Murray league, Echuca United, Moama and Tongala enter the new season with varying ambitions.
The Eagles are aiming to build on their improvement in 2025, which will be the same for Rumbalara.
Tongala is looking to break a three-year post-season drought, but will face stern competition for a finals spot from the likes of Deniliquin, Nathalia, Numurkah and Finley.
Meanwhile, Moama is gearing up for another competitive finals run, with defending premier Cobram, Mulwala and Congupna also making up the contenders.
As always, the annual Three Jacks Trophy clashes between Moama and Echuca United jump off the page when looking at the Murray schedule, with the two sides resuming hostilities on Good Friday in Round 1.
Echuca United’s James Curnow and Moama’s Khy Stovell during a Three Jacks Trophy clash last year.
The Eagles will open the new season the week prior in a standalone meeting with Deniliquin, while Tongala begins by welcoming Nathalia on April 3.
A general bye is also scheduled for the weekend of July 4.
In the Picola District league, 2026 represents an opportunity for Picola United to make the finals for a third straight year, with the Blues commencing their campaign away to Katunga in round two.
Meanwhile, Mathoura is seeking vast improvement after a winless 2025 and will look to start off on the right foot with a trip to Deniliquin Rovers on the same day.
The league will also have 16 teams in 2026 following Barooga’s switch from the Murray league and the new boys will open the season in a standalone Good Friday meeting with Tocumwal.
Zac Stovell celebrates a goal for Moama during last year’s semi-final against Cobram.
Two general byes have also been scheduled, for the weekend of May 23 and the weekend of July 4.
Finally, Lockington-Bamawm United will commence its pursuit of a return to the finals in the Heathcote District league by hosting North Bendigo in a night game in Round 1.
Meanwhile, Leitchville-Gunbower will be using the fuel from its 2025 elimination final loss to Huntly to propel itself to greater heights in 2026, this year under the tutelage of player-turned-coach Joel Donehue.
The Bombers will open the season with an intriguing clash against defending premier Mount Pleasant.
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