The Goulburn Murray Junior League is back and healthier than ever in 2024.
With approximately 130 teams set to participate across more than a dozen age and geographical divisions, numbers up and down the board are highly encouraging.
For the second year in a row, under-14 and under-16 sides will undergo four 'grading rounds' before the league assigns them into divisions to prioritise competitive balance and engagement.
AFL Goulburn Murray's Emma O'Shaughnessy is excited to ring in another season of junior football in the region.
"We have a lot of new teams, particularly in the under-12s with a few KDL clubs," O'Shaughnessy said.
"We've looked at hosting games through central venue hubs to create a finals-type atmosphere.
"We'll have three or four games on at a venue to give clubs an excellent opportunity to get some canteen money off the bat.
"We've got teams from Leitchville all the way to Alexandra, and we want to ensure teams have competitive opportunities.
"Things are looking quite positive; it gives the kids a clearer pathway through to under-15 and under-18 footy at their clubs.
"There's nothing better than seeing the kids' faces light up on a Saturday or a Sunday morning."
The 2024 season kicks off on the weekend of April 13-14.