The Goulburn Valley region has plenty of traditions when it comes to its footy.
One of those is the rivalry between fierce foes and Deakin Reserve co-tenants Shepparton and Shepparton United.
The two will renew hostilities on Good Friday with the lights on and in front of an expected bumper crowd.
Bragging rights will be on the line as the Bears look to take full advantage against a United outfit out to start the 2023 Goulburn Valley League with a bang.
Although the weather is forecast to be wet and wild, with up to 15mm of rain predicted, the anticipation is sky-high for the return of the competition’s biggest rivalry.
“We’re expecting a hot contest,” Shepparton captain and premiership player Mitch Brett said.
“It’s always good; Good Friday, under lights and two Shepp rivals. You usually get a good sized crowd which you don’t take too much notice of when you’re out there, but you always look forward to playing in the bigger games.
“It’s always good to knock those boys (United) off as well.”
Brett’s United counterpart Kyle Clarke is gearing up for another Good Friday clash — one that he hopes his young outfit can break the drought over Shepparton.
“This will be my third or fourth Good Friday clash. There’s usually a fairly big crowd here. Hopefully there’s a great crowd with the return of footy,” he said.
“They’ve had the wood on us lately and hopefully we can get a win which will do wonders for our young group.”
Both sides have welcomed a host of new faces in the off-season.
Waratah talents Jayden Margo and Marcus Wattie headline the summer recruits for the Dees — which was extended earlier this week with the addition of fellow NT product and forward Lewis Stanton.
“I think the hype has been there. Everyone is pumped and ready to get stuck in,” Clarke said.
“We’ve got some younger guys, but a few new faces this year and we’re keen to get out there and play together for the first time.”
For the Bears, former players Jonty Wardle and Xavier Stevenson return from stints in Picola District Football League, while a host of Cobram guns have made the switch from the Murray league.
Brett, who has been a regular in defence for Shepparton during the past decade, said Friday night would be a return of some old and new Bears
“It’s been an exciting pre-season with some new faces around and the boys have looked good with a couple of good hit-outs,” Brett said.
“It’s good to get the old band back together, they’re obviously some talented guys in that list.
“We’re raring to go ahead of round one and get stuck into the real stuff.