The Warrnambool and District Football Netball League executive has approved the switches which will see Kolora-Noorat host the sides’ round two clash.

Their round 13 match will be played at Merrivale Recreation Reserve.

Merrivale president Paul Fish yesterday revealed the Tigers were planning big celebrations to mark the club’s 80th anniversary and a reunion including many of its first premiership side in 1958 was on the cards.

While the club was keen to host the reunion on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June, it was unable to find a rival club willing to play on the league’s traditional bye.

But the Power had offered to switch its round 13 match on July 7 from Noorat Recreation Reserve to Merrivale, opening the door for a Tigers home match to be held as a showpiece for the reunion.

Fish said the Tigers appreciated the Power’s willingness to assist, setting up the potential for a bumper crowd at the match.

Any clash between the premier of the last three seasons Kolora-Noorat and last year’s preliminary finalist Merrivale is sure to attract interest, especially after the Tigers lured as many as five Hampden league players to the club this summer.

“Hopefully we are both at or near the top of the ladder and we can get a great game for the crowd,” Fish said.

“It’s all worked in well, Kolora-Noorat’s been very helpful.”

Fish said the Tigers had major celebrations planned, starting on the Friday night followed by a reunion on the Saturday around the match, a ball on the Saturday night and a family day on the Sunday.

Switching the venues for the two sides’ clashes this season means the Power will open its quest for a fourth consecutive flag with three home games in a row while the Tigers won’t be able to unveil their new-look side at home until round three.

But later in the season the Tigers will have three consecutive games at their den between rounds 11 and 13 while the Power will be on the road for three straight games between rounds 12 and 14.

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