The Goulburn Valley League and Kyabram District League seasons get under way this weekend, with Benalla and Violet Town both looking to get their years off to a positive start in their respective competitions.
A road trip to Shepparton awaits the Saints, who will take on the Swans at Princess Park in a blockbuster round one clash.
Jarrad Waite’s troops took home the chocolates last year in the only meeting between the two sides, prevailing 14.9 (93) to 13.12 (90) an instant classic, overturning a 28-point quarter-time deficit to take the lead by half-time and hold the Swans off in a thriller.
With plenty of promising youth added in the off-season, plus a number of experienced players, the Saints are bullish about the future, and can kick-start their campaign with a strong showing first up.
There’s plenty to like about the netball side too, with Chloe Hill’s return a huge boon for the A-grade side that endured a difficult 2024.
Once again, the netball squad has placed an emphasis on youth, with a number of talented locals promoted to the top side this season, who will be keen to take it right to the Swans on Saturday.
In the KDL, Violet Town has been very active in recruiting footballers as it too looks to bounce back from a tough few years on-field. Although the side is presented with a tough round one contest against Nagambie.
The Towners pulled off the big coup of luring JD Hayes from Euroa, and while it remains to be seen how many games he will manage to play, it is no doubt a huge weapon for new coach Brad Gleeson to have in his arsenal.
On the court, new coach Jessie Kipping will be looking to lead her squad to another September charge after a sixth-place finish for the Towners last season.
A 10-6 record in 2024 is a solid building block for Kipping to work with, and the Lakers – who finished fourth last season – should provide a good gauge for where her side is at in round one.
The GVL and KDL aren’t the only leagues in action either, with the Ovens and King league having seen its season get under way at the weekend, with both Goorambat and the All Blacks taking to the field for the first time in 2025.
The Bats put their best foot forward, claiming wins in both the senior football and A-grade netball against King Valley, while the All Blacks were valiant but fell short in their senior footy and A-grade netball clashes against Tarrawingee.
For a full write-up on the Bats and All Blacks action from the weekend, turn to pages 28 and 29.
27°C