From the return of interleague footy to blockbuster grand final rematches, local footy has it all. Here are 15 key talking points to keep an eye out for.
As the season continues to roll on, the more important games are becoming for local footy clubs across Victoria.
We’ve scoured every competition to look at everything you need to keep an eye on.
INTERLEAGUE FOOTY RETURNS
The Goulburn Valley and Ovens and Murray football leagues both lay claim to being the best competition in country footy.
Now they’ll have the chance to claim bragging rights when they face off in Albury on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams have selected strong squads as the GVL looks to bounce back from last year’s defeat.
BIG NAMES RETURN ON THE PENINSULA
In addition to Nathan Jones pulling on the Mt Eliza threads, the Mornington Peninsula league shas a number of notable matches to keep an eye on this weekend.
In Division 1, Bonbeach hosts Frankston YCW in the 2022 grand final replay, of course it hasn’t been the start to the year the Sharks would’ve hoped for but a big win over the arch nemesis would be a win to remember.
In Division 2, a log jam has just one win separating third and ninth on the ladder.
Devon Meadows has named former AFL players Patrick Ryder and Dean Kent for its clash with Chelsea – who have both missed a number of weeks.
PLENTY TO PLAY FOR IN THE VAFA
It might only be early in the season, but there’s already plenty on the line in the VAFA’s Premier Division this weekend.
The top six sides will all face off against one another while the bottom four also do battle.
The biggest clash will be the grand final rematch between St Kevin’s, who enter the weekend on a 13-game winning streak, and Old Brighton, who suffered a shock defeat last weekend.
CAN MOE END THE PARROTS STREAK?
Moe will be the next team looking to end Leongatha’s winning streak in the Gippsland Football League.
The Parrots have won 34 in a row and face a Lions outfit who are second on the ladder.
If Moe is any chance of winning it will need to shut down Jack Ginnane and Jenson Garnham who have combined for 45 goals so far this season.
WRFL GRAND FINAL REMATCH
In a replay of last year’s Division 1 grand final, Werribee Districts are set to play host to Altona at Keogh Homes Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides remain perfect to start the season with five wins with many believing Districts are this year’s premiership favourite.
Reigning premier Altona has continued to find ways to win games despite injuries to key players and a high list turnover after last year’s premiership.
CORNES TO PULL ON THE BOOTS
Port Adelaide legend Kane Cornes will put on the boots for Moyston Willaura in the Mininera league as part of the Carlton Draft.
He arrives after their biggest week in years with the club ending a 27-game winless streak last weekend.
There could be an interesting reception for Cornes in the town with a few Richmond and North Melbourne fans set to make the trip to watch.
Former Kangaroos player David King is also expected to be there.
300 OF THE BEST FOR DEVILS STAR
Brooke Fox will bring up a major milestone on Saturday afternoon when she plays her 300th game of local footy.
The Eastern Devils star will be just the fifth woman in history to reach the mark.
KEY SOUTHERN MATCH-UPS
With four sides sitting on 4-1, another eight-point match awaits two of those outfits – Cheltenham and Springvale Districts – which meet on Saturday.
The evenness of Division 1 leaves this game with enormous mystery.
Cranbourne, Cheltenham, Dingley and Springvale Districts have all lost just one game and have recorded those defeats against each other.
The key match-up will be whoever champion Rosellas coach Des Ryan sends to star Demons forward Matt Wetering.
In Division 3, Frankston Dolphins and Endeavour Hills will fight it out to remain the only undefeated side in the competition.
The Dolphins came into 2023 with heavy expectation after a dazzling 2022 while the Falcons are riding the wave of belief.
LEADING EDFL CONTENDERS FACE OFF
Plenty of supporters have tipped Keilor as the early season premiership favourite in the Essendon District league this weekend but local rivals East Keilor have a point to prove this weekend.
The Blues and Cougars both head into a huge Premier Division clash on Saturday afternoon at Joe Brown Oval without a blemish on their 2023 records.
Is this where East Keilor claims its biggest scalp since returning to the top tier last year?
EASTERN HEAVYWEIGHTS COLLIDE
Top of the table heavyweights East Ringwood and Doncaster East will face off in the Premier Division on Saturday with the winner set to move to 5-1.
The other side of Doncaster will see Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray make his second appearance in the EFNL when the Sharks host reigning premier Noble Park.
Gray can expect Bulls defender Josh Tour to follow him around all afternoon.
In Division 1, Gary Ayres’ Montrose (second) will travel to Holm Park to tackle the third-placed Beaconsfield.
Both sides sit 4-2, two wins behind the undefeated South Belgrave.
HARCOURT TESTED AGAINST THE BEST
Harcourt face their second unbeaten team in the Maryborough Castlemaine competition in two weeks with the Lions to face Trentham on Saturday.
Both teams have won five straight games to start the season and this weekend’s contest could be a precursor to the grand final later this year.
The Saints come into the contest fresh off a 234-point win over Maryborough Rovers last Saturday.
A NORTHERN LEAGUE GRAND FINAL PREVIEW?
Eltham has been the team to beat in the Northern league’s Division 2 since pre-season and now the Panthers premiership credentials will be put to the test against Diamond Creek.
The Creekers suffered a shock defeat last time out to Panton Hill and will be desperate to prove they are well and truly in the premiership conversation.
The two sides will face off at Eltham Central Park from 2.10pm.
THE ULTIMATE CENTRAL MURRAY TEST
Balranald’s premiership credentials will be put to the ultimate test this weekend when it faces Kerang in the Central Murray league.
Both teams are unbeaten so far this season, winning their first five matches in the competition.
The Kangaroos will fancy their chances against the Blues, and last year’s premiers, who last week only just scrapped home against Tyntynder by four points.
ATTACK AGAINST DEFENCE IN THE SOUTHWEST
The number one attack in the Hampden league will come up against the number two defence when South Warrnambool and Terang Mortlake battle.
The two unbeaten teams face each other with one at the end of the round, unless there is a draw, to be left on top.
Both teams have been incredible in defence this season, conceding less than 40 points and less than 50 points respectively.
With conditions expected to be wet, it could be a low scoring affair.
OUTER EAST RIVALS FACE OFF
Long-time nemesis Wandin and Woori Yallock will add another chapter to their fierce rivalry on Saturday.
The Bulldogs and the Tigers faced off in two classic finals last year and both appear to be set for another meeting come September.
Originally published as Local footy season prepares to go up another gear