Sport
Interleague action set to return to Deakin Reserve for the first time in almost a decade
The setting for this year’s interleague showdown between the Goulburn Valley and Ovens and Murray leagues has been announced.
For the first time since 2015, Deakin Reserve will host the stoush between the two country football powers on May 25.
It’s the latest in a raft of compelling fixtures set to light up the “D” during winter.
Last week it was revealed five Murray Bushrangers games are on the slate for Deakin Reserve.
However, the initial Coates Talent League games will only be a taste test for the main meal: interleague footy.
In 2023, the GVL interleague representatives breathed life back into the tradition as the senior football side almost wrested back custody of the Ash-Wilson Trophy, falling narrowly by seven points in a 13.14 (92) to 13.7 (85) white-knuckler.
However, the girls in purple and gold went one further.
The GVL open netball side hit the front foot against the O&M to take out a 39-36 victory at Albury Sports Ground, marking the only triumph for the visitors on the day.
A new addition has also been revealed for this year’s interleague special.
For the first time, the GVL will roll out a 15-and-under netball squad to take on the O&M to complement its 17-and-under and open squads, alongside the under-18 and senior football.
The five-game extravaganza is set to provide Deakin Reserve — and hosting club Shepparton United — with a hit of football fever during the GVL bye.
Interleague football was last played at Deakin Reserve in 2015 when GVL met Geelong Football League’s rep side in the arena.
The game was propped up as a first-versus-second match-up in the Worksafe Country Championships rankings, with GFL taking the win by 35 points.