Echuca United and Tongala both have important games ahead in the Murray League’s round two. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Although it is only round two, local football and netball sides have plenty to play for as they attempt to set the tone for their season.
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After impressive performances in both senior football and A-grade netball, Echuca United is flying high ahead of a visit to Numurkah.
The Blues suffered defeat in both disciplines in round one and both Eagles sides will be looking to make the most of their strong form out of the off season to improve to 2-0.
Echuca’s A-grade side is heading into a rematch of the past two grand finals as it travels to Euroa in round two.
After upset defeats to United in the top grades, Tongala is looking to rebound in a first home game of the year against Barooga.
The Hawks weren’t contenders in either league last season and opened the 2025 campaign in defeat, so Tongala footballers and netballers will be hopeful they can kickstart the season with wins in each fixture.
Moama endured a difficult start to its 2025, going down in both football and netball to Nathalia in the opening round.
Both sides were major players in the finals series last year and, while particularly the football side has undergone significant changes over the off season, the two outfits will be keen to return to winning ways this weekend.
Opponent Rumbalara was the dominant force in netball last year, defeating the Magpies in the grand final, while the senior footballers should have an easier road to its first win against a Rumba side that languished in the lower reaches of the table in 2024.
In the Goulburn Valley League, three-time champion Echuca hits the road for the first time as it battles Euroa.
It should be an enthralling A-grade netball contest as we get a first look at a rematch of the past two grand finals.
Euroa got the best of last year's decider after Echuca prevailed in 2023, and the Murray Bombers will be hoping to earn the early mental edge against its likely post-season rival.
The Magpies made the finals in the seniors last season and will provide a good test for a Murray Bombers side looking to forge some new combinations after a handful of squad members departed in the off-season.
In the Picola and district league, Picola United’s senior footy team is on a high after an impressive victory over one of last year’s top sides in Katunga, and will look to continue the momentum in a visit to Rennie.
Mathoura was heavily beaten in its first senior contest, but has turned the focus away from scorelines and towards building for the future after losing much of its core group in the off season.
The Timbercutters travel to Berrigan in round two.
The Blues and Cutters netball sides are both looking to get on the board in the new year.
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