All the key dates in 2024 have been revealed following the Goulburn Valley League’s fixture announcement for next season.
Fresh off its recent annual general meeting, the league has unveiled next year’s slate of matches which are scheduled to begin with the opening round on April 6.
The 18-round fixture consists of two split rounds and a league-wide bye on May 25 with the interleague clash against rival opponent Ovens and Murray to fall on that weekend.
Once again the league will celebrate Indigenous Round, locked in for rounds 12 and 13, while Say No to Violence round is pencilled in for round seven.
Finals action on the courts and grounds will begin August 31.
The grand final will take place on September 22, a week before the AFL decider.
In terms of key dates, Kyabram will need to wait until it gets a chance at exacting grand final revenge on Echuca, with the two sides not scheduled to meet until round 11.
Euroa’s A-grade contingent will have circled the Anzac Round — usually saved for a traditional clash against rival Seymour — for its grand final rematch against Echuca.
League chair Jacqui Hudgson hoped to build on a memorable 2023 campaign with the unveiling of the 2024 fixture.
“After a successful season in 2023, we are eagerly looking forward to the return of football and netball in 2024,” she said.
League followers and club supporters will have noticed multiple gaps on the fixture.
Seymour’s round two fixture against Echuca has been shifted to the first week of the second split round on August 3.
This change was made to accommodate the clash with the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo on that weekend.
The league highlighted the event was a major fundraiser for the club and it had previously shifted matches that fell on that day to assist the club’s fundraising efforts.
Round nine’s King’s Birthday matches is another weekend without the usual six contests.
Mooroopna’s home match against Mansfield has been moved to the final split round because Mooroopna Recreation Reserve is unavailable that weekend due to a state softball tournament.
The league has advised that clubs can still schedule alternative dates and start times (night matches).
Meanwhile, it has been a busy time for the league following last month’s special board meeting.
Hudgson was re-elected unopposed as chair, while Peter Foott remains as deputy chair.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with the board (of the GVL) and our member clubs to ensure the league’s continued long-term success,” Hudgson said.