Congupna won’t have to wait long to try make amends for its 2025 grand final defeat.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
An ‘Opening Round’ match, bye weeks, and early season blockbusters headline a monster Murray Football Netball League fixture for 2026.
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On Thursday, the MFNL released the full 2026 draw, and it’s a different look compared to 2025.
With the departure of Barooga to the Picola District League, an 11-team competition is set to go ahead in 2026, meaning each week will feature a bye.
In an expanded 20 round season, after 18 in 2025, every team will have two bye rounds across the year, ultimately still playing 18 games as standard.
The season begins with a standalone Opening Round match between Echuca United and Deniliquin at Echuca South Recreation Reserve on Saturday, March 28, putting all eyes on the MFNL’s campaign kickstarter.
Round one then officially launches on Good Friday, which falls on April 3 next year, headlined by four games including a night game between Deniliquin and Finley.
Easter Saturday will feature a solo fixture between Cobram and Numurkah, where the reigning premiers can unfurl its 2025 flag.
Rumbalara will hoist its netball flag in round two when it faces Mulwala, after taking the opening bye in round one.
Rumbalara will unfurl its netball premiership flag at home in round two.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Other key matches include the football grand final rematch in round three, when Congupna host Cobram to try and avenge its stunning grand final defeat after a previously unbeaten campaign, while round four falls across the Anzac Day weekend.
Finley will host Mulwala in a Saturday night Anzac Day clash, before three matches are played on the Sunday.
The netball grand final rematch between Rumbalara and Nathalia will be a long time coming for the Purples, however, played in round 13.
Round 10 will be played across the King’s Birthday weekend, as the league aims to draw tourist crowds over the long weekend.
A general bye is held on Saturday, July 4, in between rounds 13 and 14.
The season closes out on August 22, with finals to begin the week after in identical format to 2025.
Elimination and semi-finals are scheduled to be played on Saturday and Sunday in the opening two weeks of the post-season, before a preliminary final is held on Saturday, September 12 in the lead-up to the decider, which is dated for Saturday, September 19.
Details for finals venues will be confirmed and announced at a later date.
For the full fixture, visit the Murray Football Netball League Facebook page.
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