With the recent release of the Coates Talent League fixture Deakin Reserve has been handed hosting rights to five Murray Bushrangers games this year.
The venue did not have a single Talent League game in 2023.
Murray Bushrangers’ under-18 boys will square off against country rival Bendigo Pioneers at Deakin Reserve on March 29 in round two, with the next Shepparton-hosted game arriving on May 12 when the Bushies meet Oakleigh Chargers.
The under-18 girls will follow the boys on May 12, also locking horns with the Chargers.
The last hoorah at Deakin falls on August 3, with Murray Bushrangers’ under-18 boys and girls welcoming Dandenong Stingrays to town in a Super Saturday during the Goulburn Valley League split round.
However, another of Shepparton’s premier venues has been snubbed in the fixture announcement.
Rumbalara Recreation Reserve, which hosted three Coates Talent League matches in 2023, has not been included in the slate for 2024.
The Murray Bushrangers’ under-18 boys will officially kick off their season on March 23 against Tasmania Devils at Highgate Recreation Reserve.
Meanwhile, the Bushies’ under-18 girls have their first hit-out on April 20, taking on Gippsland Power at Highgate Recreation Reserve.
Both teams will finish the home and away campaign with a foray against the Pioneers at Moama Recreation Reserve on August 24.