There’s no truncated start this time around, with all 12 teams pushing their cases from moment one when Saturday afternoon rolls around with round one action across the region.
Hope springs eternal at this time of year and there are a couple of potential blockbusters on the courts to kick off another season of fiery competition.
If you’re looking for September previews, the form guide would advise you to look no further than the prestige of Deakin Reserve as Shepparton seeks a hot start to 2025 against the visiting Tatura.
There’s good reason for this match to carry significant weight at the pointy end — after all, Elsie Boyer’s Bulldogs found themselves bounced out of finals by the Bears last season.
To further intensify the occasion, the home side — now under the stewardship of 2024 Wellman Family medallist Kim Borger as playing coach — will unveil recruit Molly Kennedy at the first opportunity, having crossed over from Tatura in the off-season.
To say the Bears boss is excited by the newest defender at her disposal might be an understatement.
“We’re really lucky that we have a lot of combinations we can throw in different positions,” Borger said.
“Molly can play three positions herself and, after a couple of training sessions where our defenders have been all together, it’s amazing how much ground they can cover.
“She’s a phenomenal ball carrier with ridiculous closing speed, so it’s really exciting to have her.”
In spite of the shrewd acquisition, though, Borger professes good feelings between the two clubs.
Of course, revenge for the elimination final and Tatura’s repeat heartbreaks in the early stages of finals across the past two seasons will serve as motivation enough for the visitor.
For that reason, Borger and her Bears know well the challenge which awaits in the form of a red, white and blue outfit which did take the chocolates in regular season play last year.
“I think it’ll be a really nice game against them, as we always have those,” Borger said.
“It’s usually quite a clean game and we’re actually two clubs that really like each other.
“We do have a nice rivalry with them, but we want to stamp our authority on the competition early.
“My pre-game chat to the girls will be just to go out and enjoy it; we’ve been able to retain most of our squad with a couple of ins, so it’s about making sure the girls are nice and relaxed out there.
“We want to focus on that fun element, but the girls know we have high expectations for execution. We know there will be nerves in the first game and we want to get that win for Molly.”
Around the traps, there will be plenty on offer as Shepparton Swans look to take the right first step across town at Princess Park when they — and returning star recruit Chelsea McDonald — welcome Benalla to the area.
Echuca and Shepparton United will kick off their campaigns opposite one another at Victoria Park with duelling finals aspirations, while Rochester faces a stern opening test in the north-west of its own with Seymour making the long trip.
Speaking of long trips, Mooroopna will look to once again rubber-stamp itself as a fearsome side from the get-go in the High Country against Mansfield.
Finally, under lights on Saturday, a Kyabram side galvanised by the arrival of some top talent will take to the Wilf Cox courts hoping for a competitive first-up display against reigning premier Euroa, which will begin the defence of a title 41 years in the making.
