Round 1

200-odd games of AFL experience making its way the border speaks volumes to the quality that can be expected when season ‘24 kicks off on Good Friday, with plenty of excitement, questions and intrigue

The Wang Darby shapes as a genuine blockbuster, but does the loss of tall timber John Jorgensen (signed with Northern Bullants) and doubtful long-term prospects for Tom McDonagh (degenerative disk) drop the Rovers from contention with the top 3? Both midfields are looking elite though, so here’s hoping for another nail biter like last year’s opener.

The Raiders have bought in some mature heads to support their young list and provide a chop out for Cam Ellis-Yolmen. Look for the experience of Tom Bracher, Darrean Wyatt & Sam Darley to shine against a Lavi outfit who’ve been relatively quiet, but slip in key forward Tim Oosterhoff to address their 6 losses by under 10 points in ‘23.

Did "Northball" start out at Bunton last season? Young team with an fast, exciting brand that shocked a few - sounds familiar. Coach of the Year Tim Broomhead targeted talls this off-season, and will be hoping Brad Hutchison & Leighton Coe can help the Hoppers deliver vs the Saints, who themselves welcome back local favourites Frazer & Lachie Dale.

Albury has covered the potential losses of VFL listed B&F Riley Bice and the Conlan brothers with Mat Walker, Lachie Tiziani, Fletcher Carroll and Jackson Kelly to slip in and fill the void as they set out to rain on Corowa-Rutherglen’s parade. Or can Roos key forwards Darcy Hope & Sam Dunstan stretch an undersize Tiges defence to write the stuff of legend upon footy’s return to John Foord Oval?

The link up between dual GV Morrison Medallist and new Doggies coach Jack O'Sullivan to a revamped forward line featuring Ethan Redcliffe & Kyle Winter-Irving would be a scary prospect to most, but when the reigning premiers replace Mark Whiley with Perry Lewis-Smith & Dan Howe, well, there’s a reason the Pigeons stand atop.

The Hume still have a long fortnight to wait, but the preparation sure won’t stop

The first 5 rounds will be telling for CDHBU. Heavily active in recruiting the outside speed and class of Jack Andison & Jimmy Hanrahan (Rutherglen B&F’s), plus some O&M experience in George Sandral, Darcy Melksham & Paddy Lavis, the Power will be desperate to come away with a few W’s after failing to claim a top 6 scalp in ‘23. They’ll be well aware that opening with BB, Osborne, Holbrook, Jindera and Howlong may very well shape their season, particularly with the knowledge they’ll play the rest of the top 6 contenders twice.

One might be forgiven for expecting the premiers to suffer in the wake of Mackie's loss, and the turnover of nearly half their team. But you can't keep a good side down, much less Osborne, who just know how to get $hit done! Myles Aalbers has taken the reins and introduced Max Hillier, Kai Watts, Alex Weightman from the Riverina plus welcomed back Izaac McDonnell & Jed Griffin, to stay firmly in the hunt.

RWW have targeted premiership experience to compliment their youth, bringing in Matt Grantham, Fraser Elliot & Michael Oates as the Giants look to go a step better this year. But the loss of Nathan Wardius to GWS, an imposing route to goal may be all that stands in the way of the Giants and their first flag in the Hume.

A one-off Good Friday matchup to open the season, as the rest wait for next week

It won’t be the most inspiring of openers, as things look a lot more promising at the Cattery than the Den. Wahgunyah have recruited 20-odd players and are hopeful of snapping a nasty winless streak, and have Damian Cupido popping in for a one off to chop out his old mate Chris Willis.

Whereas Rutherglen are tipped as big improvers this year, welcoming back a high caliber pair with plenty of O&M experience between them in Jamie Seymour & Dylan Van Berlo as playing co-coaches. Add Jarryd Hatton to that, who fought for a spot in Yarra’s premiership team last year, and there’s just two different levels of improvement we’re looking at here.

Tallangatta's forwards could prove a handful this year following the return of James Breen. Known for keeping the goal umpires busy himself, Breen should free up spearhead Kaine Parsons to challenge KSC’s Connor Newnham & the Bushies Lachie Armstrong for the title of the comp’s premier forward.

Some Barny rubble down at Tigerland, dropping their coach a week out from the start of the season. Surely throwing hands with the playing group is the only reasonable explanation?

The likely top 4 will be jostling for pole position as they begin their campaigns this weekend, while 3 teams have an agonising first round bye

Milawa head to their bogie ground in the King Valley, where they’ve not won in the past 2 years. But they’ll need to if they’re serious about proving themselves as genuine contenders after a stirring off-season.

Last years Grand Finalists Bonnie Doon & Bright take on ‘23’s bottom two in Benalla & Tarra. Some fairly convincing wins in these matchups last year, so expect substantial percentages come the final siren.

Moyhu’s senior walkout, headed by captain Charlie West and vice Brady Bartlett, leaves the Hoppers relying on youth to step up. Coach Darren Bell is embracing the rise of their junior ranks, but knows that’ll only get you so far against a Greta team that pushed TDFL heavyweights Kiewa-Sandy Creek to the edge.