The 2022 Murray Football Netball League draw has been released, with a confirmed season start date of Saturday, April 2.
Released on Thursday, the draw also confirms a Good Friday football bonanza, with five games slated for the round-three Easter Friday timeslot on April 15.
MFNL general manager Dale Norman said a focus on bringing in bigger crowds was key in formulating the league fixture after two COVID-19-affected seasons.
“The focus of the fixture is to maximise crowds and to take advantage of an influx of tourists along the river over Easter and the Queen’s Birthday weekend,” Norman said.
The 18-round season has a general bye scheduled for the July 2 weekend, while two split rounds are scheduled in rounds seven and 16.
“These weeks add flexibility to the fixture should problems arise because of COVID,” Norman said.
The four-week finals series begins with elimination finals on August 27 and 28 before the semi-final weekend on September 3 and 4.
The preliminary final will be held on Saturday, September 10, before the season closes with a September 17 grand final.
In the opening round of the season, 2021 minor premier Tongala will host Echuca United, while Moama’s first hit-out comes against Rumbalara.
Like many other leagues, the MFNL was forced to cancel its 2021 season after 13 games because of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, with no premier recognised.
A top-eight finals series was introduced because of the low number of games achieved, but the league is yet to confirm if that format will remain in place for the 2022 campaign.