TEAMS across the Mitchell Shire had one last chance to warm up before their season gets under way, with Saturday marking the start of the season for all clubs across the Northern Football Netball League and Riddell District Football Netball League.
Wallan warmed up for its first-round clash against Melton Centrals with a practice match against Epping at Epping Recreation Reserve, where the Magpies picked up the pace after quarter time with a comfortable 113-point win, kicking 18 goals to one after quarter time.
Lancefield took on Avenel in a six-quarter game at Avenel Recreation Reserve, while Romsey had a practice game the week before against Hadfield at Martin Reserve. Both teams meet at Romsey Park in a blockbuster round one matchup between the traditional rivals.
Kilmore finished its pre-season with a solid 99-point win over Longwood, with the Blues restricting Longwood to one behind. The Blues will make the trip to Kinglake this weekend in a rematch of the two teams’ elimination final from last year, won by Kilmore.
Both the Northern Football Netball League and Riddell District Football Netball League kicked off on Good Friday, with a pair of matches in both competitions.
In the Northern Football Netball League, division 1 saw Greensborough account for Eltham by 27 points, while Reservoir made a major statement of intent in division 3, playing all over Lalor to win by 102 points.
In the division 2 women’s season opener, Reservoir came from behind to defeat 2025 grand finalist Fitzroy Stars with a goal in the final minute.
Meantime, the Riddell District Football Netball League had two matches, with 2025 grand finalist Macedon looking to start its season on the right note after taking a comfortable 41-point victory over Gisborne Giants, while preliminary finalists Kyneton also made a big move to start its season, defeating Woodend-Hesket by 62 points.
Broadford return to action this weekend after having the bye for round one, which was played on Good Friday. They’ll take on Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval in the heart of Bendigo this Saturday.
