The key talking points ahead of Easter weekend local footy

Emotional returns and AFL stars coaching for the first time are among the biggest local footy talking points heading into the weekend. Here’s what you need to know.

There might be less local footy because of Easter but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty still to talk about.

Here’s everything you need to know heading into the weekend.

Footy makes its return to Rochester

After months of turmoil following Victoria’s floods, the Rochester community will come together at Moon Oval on Saturday afternoon when the Tigers host Goulburn Valley league rivals Kyabram.

The day will be much more than about the four points on the footy field and netball courts with a day of entertainment planned.

On the field, both sides look set to be finals contenders once again as the Tigers prepare for their first game under new coach Ash Watson, a former North Melbourne representative.

Ex-AFL stars coach their first games

Ovens and Murray league supporters are set to get their first look how some clubs will line-up under former AFL players this season.

Geelong superstar Steve Johnson will lead Yarrawonga for the first time on Sunday against Albury, who are coached by three-club AFL midfielder Anthony Miles.

The clash at Lonsdale Oval, across the border in Mulwala, will see a number of ex-AFL players also take to the field.

Yarrawonga has an array of talent including Mark Whiley and Michael Gibbons.

Meanwhile, George Horlin-Smith and Jeff Garlett will take to the field for Albury. Miles remains sidelined with a footy injury.

Elsewhere, former Collingwood player Tim Broomhead will guide a rapidly improving North Albury for the first time when they face off against Wodonga on Saturday afternoon.

Echuca unfurls its flag

After ending its premiership drought last year, Goulburn Valley league powerhouse Echuca will unfurl its flag at home on Saturday against Tatura.

The Murray Bombers will be heavy favourites against the Dogs.

In other GVL games, Mansfield and Euroa are set to play in an monster opening round clash while Mooroopna and Shepparton Swans will do battle under lights from 6pm.

Echuca celebrates its Goulburn Valley league grand final win against Euroa last year. Picture: Goulburn Valley FNL.

An early look at the West Gippsland contenders

West Gippsland league fans couldn’t have asked for a better Saturday of footy on the Easter long weekend.

The double header will be headlined by a replay of last year’s preliminary final between Phillip Island and Warragul Industrials, which the former won by two points.

Meanwhile in the other clash, Inverloch-Kongwak will play host to Nar Nar Goon from 2pm in a battle between two sides who played finals footy last season.

Barwon Heads got off to a winning start last weekend. Picture: Alan Barber

Bellarine double header

Portarlington will get an indication of how far it has come in the off-season when it faces reigning premier Barwon Heads on Saturday afternoon.

The Demons losing streak was extended in their opening game but they were much improved.

Anglesea and Drysdale, both winless in the opening round, will face off in the other game at Ellimatta Reserve from 2.10pm.