THE district’s three Central Murray Football Netball League clubs will all host matches when the 2017 season begins on April 1.
The league released the final version of the fixture on Wednesday following weeks of discussions with clubs.
Kerang will unfurl its 2016 premiership flag before the 2017 team – coached by Travis Matheson – takes on Woorinen in what shapes to be the match of the round.
Scott Beattie’s debut as Cohuna Kangas coach will occur against Balranald at the Cohuna Recreation Reserve, whilst Koondrook/Barham will host Tooleybuc/Manangatang at the Barham Recreation Reserve.
The highly-anticipated grand final rematch between the Blues and Nyah-Nyah West United will occur at Riverside Park on Saturday, April 22, with both the Kangas and Raiders to play the Demons twice next season.
The Kangas will play the Blues twice in season 2017, with meetings scheduled for round six at Riverside Park and round 17 at Cohuna, with the Raiders to host the Kangas in round eight.
The league will add to its Queen’s Birthday Saturday group of rivalry matches, with the Kerang v Koondrook/Barham game at Riverside Park featuring alongside the Swan Hill v Tyntynder and Lake Boga v Woorinen encounters.
Two night games are also scheduled for next season. Swan Hill will play Nyah-Nyah West United under lights at the Swan Hill Showgrounds on April 1, with the Demons hosting Tooleybuc/Manangatang during the Nyah Recreation Reserve’s sole evening game on August 12.
Local charities and community causes will be supported during the season, with rounds dedicated to youth mental health provider, headspace (round two), the ANZAC Appeal (round three), Blue Ribbon Foundation (round five), indigenous recognition (round seven), breast cancer support (round 10) and Chances for Children (round 15).
Two league-wide byes will occur – one for Easter on April 15, and a scheduled AFL Victoria Community Championship encounter with a yet to be determined opponent on May 13.
Finals will begin on Saturday, August 26, with Balranald, Cohuna Kangas, Lake Boga, Mallee Eagles, Swan Hill and Tooleybuc/Manangatang scheduled to host matches.
The grand final will be held on Saturday, September 16.
