SFNL: Proposed Division 1 opening round fixture and other likely requests
Old and new rivals will resume hostilities while requests are set to be made. See the proposed fixture to kickstart the Southern league Division 1 season as well as the early mail on adjustments.
Southern
Don't miss out on the headlines from Southern. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Southern league Division 1 season is likely to begin with a round full of rivalries.
The proposed fixtures were released to clubs during the week for requests ahead of the finalisation in early December.
It’s understood Springvale Districts and Dingley is interested in bringing forward its round 1 clash to a stand-alone Good Friday fixture.
The last time the two local rivals met the match finished in a thrilling draw.
As it stands, the season will begin on Saturday, April 6 and have three byes for interleague (May 11), King’s Birthday (June 8) and a league-wide bye (July 27).
Grand finalists Cheltenham and Cranbourne will start the season how it finished while Chelsea Heights is set to start with the toughest trip in the competition when it travels to Port Melbourne Colts.
Division 1 newcomers East Brighton is likely to unveil its Division 2 premiership flag ahead of its clash with Mordialloc and St Paul’s McKinnon and Bentleigh will play in its annual season opener.
As the match between the Dees and Dogs is alternated each year, the match will not be held under lights at Bentleigh Reserve like it was last season at McKinnon Reserve.
Dingley may make requests to adjust the fixture due to the renovation of the Souter Reserve rooms while Mordialloc is interested in playing in an Anzac Day match.
Cheltenham and Bentleigh is currently scheduled to play on Saturday, April 27, but both the Rosellas and Demons are likely to request that match be played on Anzac Day.
Start-up club ready to hit the Southern league
There’s a new football club in Melbourne’s outer east. Here’s how it formed, what it’s about and its five-year vision.
Ranked: The ex-AFL players who lit up local footy this year
From the bush to the ‘burbs, former AFL players thrilled local football crowds across all corners of the state this year. We’ve named the best – and ranked the top 15. See who heads the list.