Country and local footy: The key talking points ahead of this weekend

From ex-AFL stars making their debuts to grand final rematches, these are the key storylines ahead of local footy’s return. Here’s what to look out for.

After months of waiting, local footy will make its triumphant return in many Victorian leagues this weekend.

Across the state, clubs and players are eager to start their seasons on a winning note.

For some, losing streaks could finally end while others might be back to square one.

Here’s a look at some of the key storylines to look out for.

Dayne Beams will play his first game for Pearcedale. Photo: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

FOUR EX-AFL PLAYERS IN MPFNL MATCH

Paddy Ryder and Dayne Beams go up against each other when Devon Meadows hosts Pearcedale in Division 2 of the Mornington Peninsula league. Ryder’s Devon Meadows will also boast ex-Demon and Saint Dean Kent, who is co-captain of the Panthers. Beams will pull on the blue and white hoops of Pearcedale – his first game of local football – alongside his former Brisbane Lions teammate Ryan Bastinac.

SWANNY THE SAVIOUR?

Western Rams and Melton Centrals will launch the Riddell District season on Saturday with the Rams securing the services of Brownlow Medallist and Collingwood great Dane Swan for a one-off appearance. Swan and Ricky Nixon will then host a sportsman’s night after the match with a big crowd expected at Ian Cowie Reserve it should be quite the spectacle.

GEELONG WEST UNVEILS DEADLY NEW DUO

After finishing as Geelong and District minor premiers last season, East Geelong was disappointed with its straight-sets finals exit, prompting them to make noise in the off-season with massive signings. Mat Hebbard, who slotted 95 goals for Drysdale in the BFL last season, will make his debut alongside Blake Dye, who booted 76 majors for the Giants in 2022.

Donvale will kick start its season on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

EASTERN LEAGUE RETURNS WITH A BANG

Four of the Eastern Football Netball League’s divisions will return to action this weekend with some mouth-watering fixtures. Division 1 sees an interesting clash between South Belgrave, who have moved up from Division 2, against North Ringwood, who were relegated from the top tier in 2022. In Division 3, we’ll get an early indication of the contenders when Warrandyte and Donvale do battle in a replay of last year’s preliminary final, where the latter prevailed.

FLAG WINNERS GO HEAD TO HEAD

A clash of the reigning premiers will ensure a monster start to the MPFNL season. Langwarrin and Frankston YCW were dominant winners of the Division 2 and 1 flags respectively last year, and on Saturday they face-off in the Division 1 season opener. Langy have regained former North Melbourne-listed Tim McGenniss and boast an array of young talent. League medallist Blake Mullane will again drive Frankston YCW, which has won eight premierships in the past 12 years.

WODONGA OUT TO ENDS ITS FINALS DROUGHT

The Bulldogs will open the Ovens and Murray league season against Lavington, coached by former AFL forward Adam Schneider, on Saturday. The club is hoping to extend its finals drought which stretches back to 2009, the longest in the competition.

Drysdale and Barwon Heads face off in a preliminary final rematch. Picture: Alan Barber

RIVALS MEET AGAIN

The 2022 premiers, Barwon Heads, will travel to their preliminary final opponent, Drysdale, for the opening match of the season. Both clubs have restocked and will firmly be in a premiership window in 2023, but Drysdale will be keen to exact some revenge after the Seagulls ended their season to the tune of six goals last year.

Murray league premiers Mulwala after its upset win against Cobram. Picture: Supplied

MURRAY LEAGUE CONTENDERS FACE OFF

Moama and Mulwala are expected to be right in the mix come the pointy end of the Murray league season. Mulwala will be looking to start its premiership defence with four points while after a busy off-season Moama will be looking to strike an early blow.

GRAND FINAL REMATCHES

As footy returns across the state, there will also be plenty of grand final rematches in country footy. In the Colac and District league, South Colac and Irrewarra Beeac do battle with the latter looking to bounce back from last year’s grand final defeat. Other leagues with grand final rematches include Ellinbank and District (Neerim South vs. Buln Buln), Mid Gippsland (Yinnar vs. Newborough), and Warrnambool and District (Nirranda vs. Panmure).