Testing start to 2015 for reigning Riddell District Football League premier Romsey

REIGNING Riddell District Football League premier Romsey will take part in a series of early-season blockbusters in 2015.

RDFL: Romsey versus Riddell at Tony Clarke Reserve, Macedon Romsey's Ahmed Taha,30 and Riddell's Nicholas Ash,9 Pictures:Angie Basdekis

REIGNING Riddell District Football League premier Romsey will take part in a series of early-season blockbusters in 2015.

Next year’s RDFL fixture has been unveiled, with the competition’s grand final rematch set to be played in Round 4.

The Redbacks open their campaign against Rupertswood on Anzac Day in a twilight fixture, two weeks before they host the Burras in a replay on this year’s season decider.

The Rupo-Romsey clash will be one of six matches played on Anzac Day, with Broadford the only side to miss out.

The competition kicks off on Saturday, April 11, when Lancefield plays host to Broadford in a stand-alone fixture.

Excluding Romsey, which has the bye, the remaining 10 teams will start their campaigns on April 18.

The RDFL has scheduled a full bye on the weekend of May 23-24, but is without an opponent for the AFL Victoria Country Championships after the Tallangatta Football League withdrew from the tournament.

The league is in talks with AFL Victoria to secure an opponent to ensure it can take part in the championships.

Other highlights of next year’s fixture include the continuation of a NAIDOC carnival match between Rockbank and Melton Centrals on Sunday, July 11, while Sunbury Kangaroos and Rupertswood will also celebrate NAIDOC week on Saturday, July 10.

The 2015 finals series will start on Saturday, August 29, with the grand final scheduled for Sunday, September 21.

The league has stressed the fixture is subject to changes, with some clubs still negotiating stand-alone fixtures.