Two rounds into the 2023-24 Haisman Shield competition clubs like Nagambie and Katandra look primed to embark on deep finals runs with the statements made so far.
Others, like Kyabram, might be rattled by their start to life in the league this year or, in the case of Northerners, wondering whether they can buy a win over the coming months.
For Mooroopna, though, literally any cricket at all would be a joyous sight.
Following a round one washout that cancelled its opener against Euroa, Mooroopna would spend another week on the sidelines after Saturday’s round two clash with Central Park-St Brendan’s was called off in bizarre circumstances.
Coach Luke Zanchetta just awaits the chance to do his part.
“Obviously being a part of two games that didn’t get on at all is not ideal,” Zanchetta said.
“It seems every year throws up a bizarre situation for us.”
Unfortunately, this territory is anything but unfamiliar.
Last season, as with clubs league-wide, the effects of the October floods resulted in numerous cancellations and postponements.
The two years before that were seasons affected by the lingering restrictions of the pandemic in Victoria.
“It really feels like a continuation of the COVID years. I don’t think we’ve started on time since before then,” Zanchetta said.
“Our primary concern (in round one) was the welfare of the people in Euroa after everything that happened last year since they were on flood watch.
“We’ll try and get a ‘please explain’ from Cricket Shepparton about this one, which I think we’re well within our rights to do.”
The governing body has yet to provide an official story regarding the exact circumstances that made the waterlogged pitch unplayable.
However, the Cats can look ahead ― hopefully ― to a proper season opener this weekend against a high-flying Katandra.
“Anyone who wins the title the year before and makes their squad stronger on paper is a difficult challenge to deal with,” Zanchetta said.
“With (Katandra) able to play a couple of games, it probably gives them a bit more match conditioning.
“It’ll be a great test for us.”