With the first bounce of the ball only weeks away, football and netball clubs across the Goulburn Valley region are busy ramping up preparations ahead of round one.
On March 18, Shepparton Swans played host to Wodonga Raiders at Rumbalara’s Mercury Drive.
Played in blustery hot conditions, the two outfits traded blows over four quarters and settled for a draw.
The Swans missed key personnel with plenty of young faces appearing in the line-up along with some star-studded recruits.
Ex-North Melbourne duo Jamie Macmillan and Nathan Hrovat caught the eye across half-back and through the middle respectively.
Former Roos teammate Sam Wright was busy helping Katandra clinch its memorable Haisman Shield cricket win and missed the practice match.
Ty Collison was prolific, Lachlan McMahon found plenty of the ball and Nathan Rachele looked in fine touch in the midfield.
News sports editor Aydin Payne attended the practice match and captured some of the action.