A grand final rematch will kick off Riddell District Football Netball League’s season next year.
Diggers Rest will host Riddell in the opening round of the footy season, which debuts on April 8.
This year’s grand final was one of the greatest in the league’s history, with the Burras’ win in extra time breaking a premiership hoodoo.
The two teams, which met in round one this year as well, will meet twice next season, the second time in round 12.
All 12 teams start the season on the same day, with two night matches in the opening round.
Melton Centrals will host local rival Rockbank under lights at Arnolds Creek Reserve, while Sunbury Kangaroos will face Romsey in the other night match.
These teams faced off in the opening round of this season as well.
Other matches in the opening round are, Lancefield at home to Woodend-Hesket, Rupertswood hosting Broadford at Clarke Oval, and Wallan will take on Macedon. No matches will be held the following weekend due to Easter, one of only three weekends without any matches.
The other weekends are May 13, when the RDFL will host West Gippsland Football Netball League in the WorkSafe AFL Victoria Community Championship. And there will be no matches on the Queens Birthday weekend either.
Round 13 will again be split across two weekends to give every team a bye.
The annual ANZAC Day clash between Macedon and Rupertswood is the highlight of round two, with Melton Centrals travelling to Romsey Park, after both teams play a second straight night match.
In other key matches, there’s only one Sunbury derby, when Rupertswood hosts Sunbury Kangaroos in round seven.
Rockbank and Melton Centrals face off for a second time in round 12, while Centrals will play the Burras in round six.
The Rams face the Burras in round five and 14.
In netball, the Burras, which finished sixth this year, face a tough start against two-time reigning premiers Riddell.
Rockbank’s return to A-grade competition comes against Melton Centrals. The Rams didn’t have a top side this year due to numbers.
The A-grade grand final rematch between the Bombers and Macedon is in round four, the only time the two teams face each other.
Arch rivals Rupertswood and Riddell face off in round five and round 14.
The grand final will be held on September 17, with finals starting on August 26.
The RDFL junior competition will start the same weekend as the senior competition, with grand final day set for August 20.
