A night-time blockbuster between reigning premier Maffra and traditional rival Sale headlines the opening round of the 2017 TRFM Gippsland League premiership season.
The fixture was released this morning, with the Eagles set to begin their premiership defence under lights at Maffra Recreation Reserve on Saturday, 8 April.
Beaten senior football grand finalist Leongatha will have plenty of time to plot its revenge, with the highly-anticipated grand final rematch not taking place until round nine.
A grade netball grand final combatants Drouin and Traralgon renew hostilities in round five.
Other highlights of the fixture include two Good Friday games – between Morwell and Warragul and South Gippsland foes Wonthaggi Power and Leongatha – in the first week of the split round two and the customary Queen’s Birthday Weekend clash between Traralgon and Morwell.
The three remaining round two games take place on Anzac Day Weekend, while a league-wide bye has been scheduled for the weekend of 29-30 July.
TRFM Gippsland League chair Greg Maidment said the fixture featured plenty of interest for supporters of all clubs.
“After having a similar order of games in the past few years we have made a concerted effort to mix it up next season,” Maidment said.
“One key focus was making sure every club had one home game in the first two rounds and the last two rounds of the season to make sure the fixture was as fair as possible.
“Our marquee games drew some fantastic crowds last season and we look forward to that continuing in 2017.”
The 2017 finals series kicks off Saturday, 2 September, with the grand final taking place on Saturday, 23 September.
Meanwhile, the TRFM Gippsland League has been drawn away to AFL Yarra Ranges in next year’s Worksafe Community Championship.
The league last met AFL Yarra Ranges – formerly Yarra Valley Mountain District Football Netball League – at Drouin in 2014, with the home side securing a convincing 61-point victory.
Maidment said the disappointment of this year’s defeat to Bendigo at Warragul would serve as motivation, not discouragement.
“We know 2016 was a lost opportunity but we’re confident the things we’ve put in place the last two years and the emphasis we have placed on interleague football will hold us in good stead,” he said.
“Our clubs have been very supportive of our approach and some have already pledged an even stronger commitment for next year.
“Our performance against Yarra Valley two years ago was fantastic and we will hit the road with plenty of confidence.”
Maidment said the process was underway to find a replacement to carry on the work of outgoing coach Steve Hazelman, who stepped down after two campaigns at the helm.
The 2017 Worksafe AFL Victoria Community Championship takes place on the weekend of 13-14 May.
Last Modified on 16/12/2016 18:25
