MANY fans are eager to reinstate a Saturday tradition - going to the local football - after a season literally on the sidelines.
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The Hampden league will kick off in early April with a blockbuster Easter fixture.
The 18-round competition will include two bye weekends - May 8 and July 3 - with the grand final pencilled in for September 18.
The Standard earmarks five games for your diary.
GOOD FRIDAY TEST
Who: Koroit v South Warrnambool.
When: Friday, April 2 at Victoria Park.
Why: A potential grand final preview - the six-time reigning premier against the most-hyped side of the pre-season. Will Koroit assert its dominance or can South Warrnambool show it means business in 2021? Talent on every line in both sides. The clash will kick off the season in a precursor to round one the following week and, if he's fit, be Ricky Henderson's first appearance at Hampden league level after 159 AFL games with Adelaide and Hawthorn. If he fires, it could be worth the price of admission alone.
THE HYPED DEBUT
Who: Hamilton Kangaroos v Port Fairy
When: Saturday, April 10 at Melville Oval
Why: Shane Savage. The former AFL footballer, who featured in 165 games at the top level, should debut for Port Fairy under lights. Can play a variety of positions and kick a long-bomb goal. He'll entertain the masses. The match also marks the first time Winis Imbi (Seagulls) and Gerard FitzGerald (Roos) have coached their respective sides. The pair had signed on for 2020 but coronavirus denied them a chance to lead.
ANZAC HONOUR
Who: Portland v Hamilton Kangaroos
When: Sunday, April 25 at Hanlon Park
Why: Two long-term foes go head-to-head in their annual Anzac Day clash. A marquee day on the calendar which includes a pre-game tribute to the country's fallen soldiers.
THE AFL SHOWDOWN
Who: South Warrnambool v Port Fairy
When: Saturday, May 15 at Friendly Societies' Park
Why: Henderson versus Savage. Two former Hawthorn footballers - they didn't cross paths at the Hawks - will be the star attractions in round five. Who will have the biggest impact?
GRAND REMATCH
Who: North Warrnambool Eagles v Koroit
When: Saturday, May 15 at Bushfield
Why: Only three points separated these two sides in the 2019 grand final. The Eagles have lost key personnel - can they push the Saints again?
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Justine McCullagh-Beasy
Sports journalist with an interest in feature reporting. Email: justine.mc@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Sports journalist with an interest in feature reporting. Email: justine.mc@austcommunitymedia.com.au
