Grand final re-match in Ellinbank District opening round

by Davyd Reid
A grand final re-match and well-established local rivalries highlight what shapes as a competitive opening round of the Ellinbank District football season on Saturday.
Neerim South meet Buln Buln in a re-match of last year's grand final, the Cats coming from behind to win that match by a solitary point.
With both sides to enter the contest with similar line ups, it augurs well for another tight contest.
The Lyrebirds will take some confidence from late season form, which saw them inflict the Cats their only loss and almost hold on for premiership success.
Earlier home and away form saw margins of 15 and 19 points respectively, but straighter kicking at goal could have made for tighter contests.
Pre-season preparations have been strong for both clubs, with recent competitive hit outs against West Gippsland opponents. Neerim South lining up against Cora Lynn, while Buln Buln desperately tried to secure a result over Warragul Industrials as host of the Tyson Bale Memorial match.
The Cats will enter the contest with slight favouritism, but it wouldn't surprise if the Lyrebirds pull off an upset.
TRAFALGAR host Yarragon in the battle for the Waterloo Cup.
These contests are typically competitive regardless of where the teams sit on the ladder, Yarragon making Trafalgar work for the points in the corresponding fixture last year despite sitting outside of the top five.
With the Bloods set to field a similar line up to the side that finished in the top three last season, the contest should provide a good indicator as to how much the Panthers have improved.
A new coach and some recruits should pit the Panthers among a competitive mid-table group vying for the lower reaches of the top five this season.
NYORA should sit among that group and will aim to start its season on a high as they travel down the road to take on Poowong.
The Saints will have their work cut out against a Magpies side that played finals last season, but will have renewed hope to spring an upset over their local South Gippsland rivals.
The Magpies have had a change of coach, but still boast a strong side hoping to build on last year's finals appearance.
AFTER enduring a difficult 2022 season, it won't get any easier for Catani as they play away to an Ellinbank side entering the new season in red-hot form.
While brushing aside a struggling Bunyip side was somewhat expected, the Eagles backed it up with a strong win over Berwick Springs.
Ellinbank played below their potential last season and with Ben Wragg still around to assist new coach Jake Harper, the Eagles will hope to lift as another contender this season.
New Blues coach Luke Young has brought a sense of positivity to the club, who will hope to put in a competitive effort in one of their most challenging fixtures.
LONGWARRY will back themselves to begin the season proper with a strong win at home, hosting Nilma-Darnum.
New playing assistant Darren Granger looks to be a big difference to a Crows side looking to build off their eight wins last season.
The Bombers will kick off the season with their new under 16 side and hope for competitive showings across the day.
LANG LANG have the bye and will kick off their season following the Easter break.