The league released an updated draw on Thursday following detailed talks with clubs and has included two four-game split rounds in order to create a level playing field.

Under the original schedule, reigning premier Nirranda, Kolora-Noorat, East Warrnambool and Allansford were set to play 17 games while the rest of the competition took part in 16.

The WDFNL was forced to include a bye due to the looming absence of Deakin University Sharks in 2017.

WDFNL president Barry Crimmin believed the draw was in its fairest shape and said a host of minor changes had also taken place to the draw.

“Timboon had three home games towards the end of the season and Merrivale had three away games, so we had a closer look at that to fix it up,” he said.

“One of the difficult things about a fixture is when clubs put in requests, if they have a reunion or day they would like to play a certain club on.

“I think most of the requests or as many as possible have been included.”

Crimmin said the competition was in good stead but admitted it was too early to gauge if an underdog was capable of causing a third consecutive grand final upset.

A grand final rematch between Nirranda and Old Collegians will spearhead round one. Finals will begin on August 19.