The reigning premier — yes Kyabram was the last team to win a GVL premiership in 2019 — will travel to Tatura on April 9 to launch the 18-game home-and-away season which will climax with the premiership showdown on Sunday, September 25 at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve.
Kyabram hosts second and third round clashes against Rochester and Echuca on Easter Saturday, April 16 and 23 respectively, before closing out the April games with a trip to Benalla on April 30.
Kyabram again has no night fixtures.
Kyabram has three Sunday games, all away games — against Shepparton United at Deakin Reserve on Sunday, June 5, Rochester at Rochester on June 26 and Echuca on July 31.
Apart from the Sunday games there will be two Good Friday games — Benalla v Shepparton and Shepparton v Shepparton United — to help with any umpire shortages.
There are split rounds scheduled for rounds 13 and 16 and a general bye on May 28 for an interleague clash between the GVL and Ovens and Murray Leagues which had to be put on hold this year due to the pandemic.
Some 25 fixture requests from clubs have been accommodated in the draw.
Win for clubs
In welcome news for country clubs AFL Victoria will waive insurance for all clubs for the 2021 season.
AFL Victoria will take responsibility to save clubs upwards of $1000 to form a larger $1.7 million net benefit across the state.
Community clubs have been praised by AFL Victoria on their survival in trying times and the funding relates to costs involving public liability, asset protection, directors and personal injury insurance.
Big nights ahead
Tocumwal and Rennie will host night and twilight games in the Picola Football Netball League in the 2022 season.
Tocumwal will stage twilight games against Yarroweyah and Blighty in round one and round three respectively while Rennie hosts a Thursday night fixture against Katamatite in the Easter round.
League general manager Shane Railton said some clubs had lights suitable for twilight and night games.
Barooga scores a slam Dunk
Murray Football League club Barooga has bolstered its ranks for the 2022 season with the signing of former Melbourne player Kyle Dunkley.
Dunkley, 21, is the younger brother of Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley, and played five games for Melbourne across the 2019-20 seasons and this year with Essendon’s VFL side.
Dunkley’s connection with Barooga coach Jackson Trengove, during their time at Melbourne together, was behind his move to join Barooga, where he is expected to play a midfield role.
Former Kyabram boy Wade Demasi has rejoined Barooga from Berrigan and will be accompanied by former Berrigan coach Grant Martin.
Milne at the top
Club stalwart Sharne Milne will coach Murchison Toolamba’s A-grade netball side in the 2022 season.
With the club from her junior days as a 12-year-old, Milne has taken the coaching reins from Jennie McCluskey; the 250-gamer is looking forward to the challenge having only coached at junior level previously.
McMahon honoured
Bamawm’s best known product Sharelle McMahon is to be immortalised with a bronze statue at Melbourne’s John Cain arena.
The netball legend has been selected for the honour in the Victorian Government’s Sporting Icons initiative, which has been formed to inspire the next generation of female athletes and leaders.
McMahon is current head of Female Cricket Victoria, a position no doubt which has pleased her father, legendary Rochester Cricket Association all-rounder John McMahon.
Travelling North?
Leitchville footy product Marty Hore’s AFL career may not be over yet.
Delisted by Melbourne this season after two injury-interrupted seasons, the defender is now training with North Melbourne in the hope of continuing his career at the highest level.
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