Cora Lynn kick off season
Inaugural senior football grand final combatants Inverloch-Kongwak and Cora Lynn are set to immediately renew hostilities when they clash on the opening day of the 2018 West Gippsland Football Netball Competition season.
The Sea Eagles will unfurl their premiership flag ahead of a round one rematch of last year’s season decider in front of their home fans at Inverloch Recreation Reserve.
The clash is one of two Good Friday matches to kick off the season, with Phillip Island hosting Koo Wee Rup in the first half of the split opening round of matches.
Kilcunda Bass, Nar Nar Goon and Bunyip begin their campaigns at home to Dalyston, Korumburra-Bena and Garfield respectively on Saturday, April 7.
The A grade grand final rematch takes place in round six, when reigning premier Dalyston travels to Korumburra-Bena.
The fixture features two league-wide byes on May 19 and July 7, with finals set to kick off on August 25 leading to grand final day on September 15.
AFL Gippsland region general manager Travis Switzer said the competition was ready to build on the success of first season.
“We were extremely happy with how the new competition was received this year and we’re really confident it will be even bigger and better in 2018,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to kick things off with a marquee game and we’re expecting some great crowds at Inverloch and Phillip Island on that Easter weekend to launch the new season.”
Meanwhile, West Gippsland has been drawn at home to Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League for the 2018 Community Championships.
The championships take place on Saturday, May 19 with discussions between the participating competitions to take place soon.