Good Friday bonanza, grand final rematch headline Goulburn Valley League’s return

Lace up the boots and put your money where your mouth is.

Round one of the 2026 season takes place over the Easter weekend and it’s kicking off with a barn burner of a grand final rematch on Good Friday at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.

The Bombers will unfurl their hard-earned flag from last year’s 29-point victory over Rochester but will do so without five premiership members among its ranks, including Archie Watt, Liam and Eamonn Ogden, Tom Holman, and Nicholas Jepshon.

The return of former flag duo Aaron Hayes, Rhys Clark, and a returning Reuben Rode have bolstered the Bombers though, and with some substantial premiership pedigree still among the rank and file it’s difficult to imagine Kyabram will be anywhere but near the top.

But it’s conquered grand final opponent is closing the cap in its bid to snap an 18-year flag drought.

Rochester coach Ash Watson considers his back six his team’s biggest asset and its only grown stronger with the addition of former AFL man Marty Hore.

The forward arc shouldn’t be discounted with Hugh and Wil Hamilton an ominous prospect and with a battle-hardened Mitch Trewhella set to slot straight back into the line-up after a premiership in the Top End, is 2026 the year the flag is heading back to Moon Oval?

There sits the two pacesetters - but who’s making the leap up the standings?

There will be hope at the Skene St end of Deakin Reserve that it will be Shepparton United after spending 13 years out of finals.

The Demons have been most active on the recruiting front, and though co-coach Trent Freer concedes its age profile is still on the younger side, there’s some experience to bolster its ranks with Angus Hicks, Matt Casey, Brodie Newman, and Tim Looby making his return.

And if the VFL-aligned talent of Zavier Maher and Stuart Horner can get on the park, the Demons will be hoping to string together enough wins for a September re-emergence.

Their first test comes in the form of a Good Friday derby against Shepparton under lights, however, and the Xavier Stephenson-coached Bears have kept an even keel over the off-season.

The Bears’ elimination final exit of last year will sting, but with a hungry cohort at its disposal Shepparton will be hoping Friday evening’s derby can be the perfect foothold.

“We made finals [last year] with a young group, and we feel like there’s going to be some natural growth within our club,” Stephenson said.

Meanwhile for Tatura, there’s only one thing on the Bulldogs’ mind this year after a winless campaign.

I’s been 725 days since Chaz Sergeant’s after-the-siren goal sunk Seymour for Tatura’s most recent four points, and there’s hope on the horizon for a breakthrough win with the likes of Tom Sullivan and key addition Finn Radley in the line-up.

They begin with a road-trip out to 2025 finalist Echuca’s home for the season at Echuca South Reserve as redevelopment works continue on the Murray Bombers Victoria Park home.

Another night game is on the cards out at Mooroopna Reserve with the Cats hosting the Shepparton Swans on the back of an eve-of-the-season boost in the form of the Betson brothers Keelin and Liam returning to the fold.

Benalla, who are also hoping to climb the ladder after a lean few years, host Seymour at Benalla Showgrounds with confirmation one of their star recruits in Toby Triffett will likely be available to play.

But roaming the Lions front half will be none other than dangerous spearhead Riley Mason, back at Seymour full-time for 2026.

A High Country bout also awaits straight off the bat with Mansfield, boasting reigning Morrison Medallist Callum Brown and former Collingwood player Will Kelly, facing Euroa, who have welcomed Adam Giobbi back into the fold in the lead up.

It’s all there for the taking - all that matters right now is who can start off the best.

Saturday’s One FM broadcast game is the Goulburn Valley League round one clash between Mooroopna and Shepparton Swans, live from 5pm.