The HFNL’s finale will be played a week later than usual on September 26 because the AFL grand final has been pushed back to October 3.

It’s the first time since 2011 that the Hampden league grand final has been played on the last Saturday in September — football’s most celebrated day.

Details of the Hampden league season have emerged in a draft draw seen by The Standard.

According to the draft, the league is planning to start its 2015 season on April 18, two weeks later than this year, largely because Easter falls at the start of April. It is proposing a blockbuster opening with a grand final rematch between fierce rivals Koroit and Warrnambool at Victoria Park. 

The prospect of the Saints unfurling their premiership flag in front of the Blues is expected to ramp up expectations of a classic contest.

North Warrnambool Eagles would host Terang Mortlake in round one, another clash that is likely to carry plenty of interest after the sides’ brutal battle in the first semi-final that was decided in the final seconds. 

Other round one games are: Portland versus Port Fairy, South Warrnambool hosts Camperdown and Cobden versus Hamilton Kangaroos.

League chief executive officer Mike Farrow stressed the draw circulated to clubs was subject to change.

He said the draw had been sent to clubs for feedback and the final fixture would not be released until after the league’s annual general meeting on December 1.

Farrow said the league was yet to decide the future of its pre-season football and netball competitions following calls for change.

The league is planning discussions with sponsors next month.

He revealed the league was considering a revamp of the lightning premiership-style football competition.

One option being discussed is a family-friendly gala season’s launch for both football and netball at the one venue.