Footy fans and participants are crossing their fingers and toes the Warrnambool and District league 2021 season will go ahead. The 2020 junior and senior seasons were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The 18-round fixture will kick off in April with the grand final on September 11.
The Standard highlights five mouth-watering clashes.
GOOD FRIDAY
Who: Old Collegians v Merrivale
When: Friday, April 2 at Davidson Oval
Why: Merrivale has arguably recruited the best of any team with the likes of Manny Sandow (South Warrnambool), Nathan Krepp (South Rovers) and Jack Gleeson (Koroit). Everyone will be wondering how they go without key forward Jason Rowan who switched to Hampden club, Warrnambool. Joe Kenna, Jacob Lacy and Matthew Petherick (Russells Creek) have returned to Collegians which will excite fans.
BEWARE THE DOGS
Who: Dennington v Panmure
When: Saturday, April 10 at Dennington Recreation Reserve
Why: New coach Ben Thornton has brought in a host of recruits - including three 2015 premiership players - who will slot straight into the senior side. Can Panmure build on its 2019 elimination final loss?
CREEK'S CHALLENGE
Who: Russells Creek v Kolora-Noorat
When: Saturday, April 24 at Mack Oval
Why: Most expect Creek to be the big improver this season with recruits such as former Port Fairy coach Dan Nicholson and ex-Seagulls skipper Xavier McCartney as well as Taylem Wason and Sam Wilson. But how will they fare against the reigning premier which looks even stronger on paper than it did in 2019? Kolora-Noorat has added Joel Moloney (Leopold) and Jacob Mahony (Camperdown) to name a couple.
GRAND REMATCH
Who: Nirranda v Kolora-Noorat
When: Saturday, May 1 at Nirranda Recreation Reserve
Why: They had some of the best battles in 2019 and expect the same. Blues playing-coach Brayden Harkness has already landed Scott Carlin (Werribee) and Jack Spokes (Thomson) and there could be more recruits on the way.
OLD FOES MEET
Who: Nirranda v Merrivale
When: Saturday, May 29 at Nirranda Recreation Reserve
Why: Nirranda won an epic 2019 qualifying final after the Tigers beat them in round 17. It's been the Tiges' skilful, running game against the in-and-under Blues in the past but Harkness said Nirranda was looking to add more polish.
Brian Allen
Passionate about covering all sports from Ultimate Frisbee through to the latest footy and netball updates. Started at The Examiner in January 2022. Was part of the Warrnambool Standard's sports team which won the 2019 AFL Victoria Best Print/Online coverage for a daily newspaper. Got a story? Email: brian.allen@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Passionate about covering all sports from Ultimate Frisbee through to the latest footy and netball updates. Started at The Examiner in January 2022. Was part of the Warrnambool Standard's sports team which won the 2019 AFL Victoria Best Print/Online coverage for a daily newspaper. Got a story? Email: brian.allen@austcommunitymedia.com.au
