When I had my first glance at the 2024 Goulburn Valley League season fixture I was surprised with what I saw.
Or, to be more precise ― what I didn’t see.
There is nothing like running your eyes over the 18 rounds and circling in the big dates on the calendar.
When it comes to the big games, you want to know where and when they are taking place.
Think your Shepparton and Shepparton United Good Friday season opener, Echuca up against Rochester ― a team that was created to defeat the Murray Bombers ― and the traditional rivals Euroa and Seymour battling it out over Anzac Day weekend.
The Goulburn Valley is blessed with momentous encounters and it’s what rusted-on supporters and players look to most at the start of each season.
But when the Goulburn Valley League revealed its draw for this year, the lack of those fixtures raised plenty of eyebrows and questions.
Where was the usual Good Friday clash between Shepparton and Shepparton United?
Why are Euroa and Seymour not renewing their rivalry on Anzac Round?
Why is Echuca not hosting a match over the King’s Birthday long weekend?
I know I wasn’t alone in sharing these questions and frustrations; you only had to look at some of the comment sections on social media posts.
Anzac Round at either Memorial Oval or Kings Park is a no-brainer.
It is as close to a gladiatorial contest that we will witness, and Seymour and Euroa communities eye off the traditional Anzac clash months in advance.
The two clubs have a fierce rivalry that runs deep, further flamed by the grand final bouts in the late 2000s, but there is a strong respect for each other, as well.
Both clubs, supporters and GVL followers have been robbed of an enthralling day on the calendar.
Just imagine how big the crowd would be if former AFL star and recently announced Seymour recruit David Mundy was able to suit up for his junior club in the Anzac Round clash?
It would be one of the largest home and away crowds Kings Park or Memorial Oval has seen.
I can sympathise with the league on some omissions, mainly the Good Friday.
Easter weekend falls early this year, with Easter Saturday on March 30, and for the league to try to stretch out 18 rounds, a four-week finals series and finish on September 22 would have been a long year.
But Deakin Reserve always packs out for the season opener.
The weather is warm, the evenings are pristine and the city’s premier sporting ground glistens in the twilight.
It’s a memorable evening watching two proud and historic clubs go head-to-head.
But not all is lost — these notable fixtures can be saved.
The league has said that clubs can still schedule alternative dates over the coming months.
Let’s hope that the traditions can live on.