The season is slated to begin on the Easter weekend (April 8-9) with a blockbuster Good Friday clash between Shepparton and Shepparton United under lights at Deakin Reserve set to kick-off proceedings.
The biggest change we will see next year is the start times, which have been slightly altered as a result of the disbanding of the under-16 competition.
This means senior football and A-grade will start at the earlier times of 2pm and 2.15pm respectively with all other grades coming forward 30 minutes as a result.
Another significant difference from last year’s fixture is the fact the league has moved away from scheduling Sunday games, with none currently listed on the fixture.
As per recent seasons, two split rounds have been included with the first taking place in June (round 11) and second in August (round 15).
The league will face old enemy Ovens and Murray in interleague action for a second straight year, with the battle for the Ash-Wilson trophy set to take place on May 20 on O&M turf.
The finals series will commence on Saturday, September 2 and maintain the same four-week structure.
And grand finals will be contested on Sunday, September 24, moving away from the traditional slot of the day after the AFL decider which will take place on September 30 in 2023.
League board chair Jacqui Hudgson said it was a thrill to have the return of football and netball be coupled with a special weekend like Easter.
“After a successful season in 2022 we are eagerly looking forward to the return of football and netball in 2023,” Hudgson said.
“Round one kicks off over Easter weekend. Good Friday will see the traditional Shepparton United v Shepparton clash start our season off under lights at Deakin Reserve with all other games to be played Easter Saturday.”
Following the Bears and United clash, the opening round will have a preliminary final replay between Mansfield and Euroa, Benalla takes on Seymour, Kyabram travels to Rochester, reigning premier Echuca welcomes Tatura and Shepparton Swans host Mooroopna under lights on Easter Saturday.
The remainder of the fixture is filled with blockbuster clashes.
The league will host its annual Anzac round in third week of the season, with a clash between traditional rivals Seymour and Euroa the headline act.
Indigenous Round will also be expanded into 2023, with celebrations to span across a fortnight in rounds 12 and 13.
While the league will once against host a TAC Road Safety Round on July 22 and after receiving a grant of $147,000 will put on an inaugural Say No To Violence Round with the date still to be determined.
“The Say No To Violence round will contribute to a near regional response from communities to raise awareness of violence,” league operations manager Josephine Spencer said of the introduction of the new round.
“The expansion of the current Indigenous Round will also see a launch dinner and cultural understanding session for all clubs that will take place prior to the Indigenous Round.”
Other fixture highlights include a pair of grand final rematches between Echuca and Euroa in round eight (at Memorial Oval) and round 15 (at Victoria Park) and a night clash between Mooroopna and Shepparton at the Cattery in round two.
Spencer said the league had done a power of work to ensure all scheduling requests by clubs were met.
“This fixture sees 26 club requests met which will go a long way in assisting clubs financially with key games, premiership reunions and traditional clashes scheduled,” she said.
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