Melton South and the Gisborne Giants will both start their new eras at home in the Riddell District Football Netball League, as the competition returns to a top six.
The Panthers moved their senior program back to the RDFNL for next year, while the Giants will have a full array of senior sides for the first time.
The season will kick off April 5.
The Panthers will host Diggers Rest at Melton Recreation Reserve, while the Giants will be at home against Kyneton.
Round one will also include the annual Puka Up Cup between Riddell and Macedon with the Bombers footballers to unveil their premiership flag.
Netball premiers Woodend-Hesket will unveil their flag underlights as the Hawks do battle with Melton Centrals.
Wallan has the bye in round one.
The Magpies will start their season the following round against Riddell.
The Melton derby will also be in round two, with Melton Centrals to host Melton South at Arnolds Creek Reserve.
Other highlights include two Good Friday matches.
Woodend-Hesket will host Kyneton, while Gisborne Giants will face Macedon.
The following round includes two Anzac Day matches, with Kyneton and Lancefield, and Macedon and Lancefield again playing on that day. Both matches are becoming annual matches.
There will be a competition wide bye for the King’s Birthday weekend and there will again be a 18 rounds.
Finals will return to a top six format. The last completed season with a top six was 2019.
Finals will begin on August 23 and it will be a four week finals series, with the grand final scheduled for September 13.
