Kyabram District League returns with a bang across Saturday and Sunday — the only competition across the district quartet with regularly scheduled Sunday fixtures.
Round one opens with five of the weekend’s seven games on Saturday, featuring both 2023 grand finalists in action.
Shepparton East and Tallygaroopna played out three quarters of an epic A-grade grand final at Mooroopna last September before the unbeaten Eagles flexed their might when the chips were down to complete a perfect campaign.
Shepparton East will unveil the coveted premiership flag with a home opener against Longwood at Central Park Recreation Reserve.
It’s a tall order for the visitor, tasked with challenging the unstoppable reigning premier after a 13th-placed, two-win season of its own in 2023.
New Eagles co-coach Bianca Kelly eagerly awaits the chance to get out and play.
“It's been a really good pre-season, but it feels like it's been a long one since all the other leagues have started,” Kelly said.
“It’s good to get on the court this weekend. We’ve had all the practice matches, so it’ll be good just to start the season.
“We're pretty happy with how we are at this point in time.”
Kelly, alongside fellow co-coach Kate Durling, took the helm from the experienced Erynn Hueston ahead of this season, but the change in mentality has not been drastic.
“Kate has helped Erynn a lot over the last two years and, as much as she was running it all, Kate had a big hand in that,” Kelly said.
“It feels a little bit different, but the team’s responding well and all the girls have been great.
“It’s really hard to know what to expect (from Longwood); some teams that might not have been so strong the last couple of years have picked a few up.
“Everyone’s in C-reserve, so teams have bulked up their depth, but we’re just hoping to come out strongly first up.
“We’ve picked up Lauren James, who has stood out in all our practice matches and she and Sarah (Maskell) are working really well together in defence.”
Tallygaroopna, which claimed the majority of premiership predictions in the McPherson Media Football and Netball magazine, starts its campaign with a road trip to Girgarre.
Fiona Down’s outfit sits primed as a deep finals contender again in 2024, with virtually no squad turnover from its runner-up campaign last year.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Dookie United has a solid chance to build early on its 14-2 record from last season in welcoming Undera out east.
Two clashes between sides who missed finals last year round out the day’s play, with Lancaster playing host to Stanhope and Rushworth making the trip to Merrigum.
The league’s calendar stands out for its Sunday specials, with two games featuring this Sunday as Avenel and Violet Town, separated by very little in 2023, meet first up.
Meanwhile, Murchison-Toolamba has a tough opening draw at home to Nagambie.
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