Can Echuca become kings of the GVL again this season? Photo: File.
A new season of football and netball has finally arrived, with clubs across the region set to take to the fields and courts in their leagues for the first time in 2025 on Saturday.
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In the Goulburn Valley League, Echuca’s senior football outfit is looking to continue its dynasty, targeting its fourth consecutive title.
First up for the champion is Shepparton United in a home fixture at Victoria Park, the Demons coming off a 3-14-1 year in 2024.
On paper, the game shouldn’t pose too much of an issue for the Murray Bombers, but United has made plenty of changes to the squad, bringing in a new coaching duo and a raft of recruits from around the region.
Echuca looks like a largely similar side to last season, but a handful of departures will make way for the host of juniors and reserves knocking on the door after five straight under-18 flags, and two of the last three reserves crowns.
In A-grade netball, Echuca is hoping to return to the mountaintop after a grand final defeat to Euroa.
The Murray Bombers will be looking to integrate a group of juniors into the once championship-winning squad this year, with a minor reshuffle to Belinda Lees’ on-court rotations expected.
Shepparton United finished in eighth position in 2024, compiling a 7-11 record but has undergone wholesale changes in the off-season, with new faces and a new coach in Shinea Sali.
In the Murray League, Tongala is set to make the trip to Echuca South Recreation Reserve to take on Echuca United in the opening round.
A huge shift was made by the Blues’ senior football side in the off-season, with Stephen Hammond taking the reins and luring a host of former players back to the club.
Although an untested line-up, the quality additions with history in the Tongala setup should lead to an improvement on last season’s 6-12 record.
Will Moama’s A-grade side go one better this year under Lisa Drysdale’s leadership? Photo: Rechelle Zammit.
For the Eagles, targeted additions to the 2024 rebuild squad have been made, the club hoping a year of senior experience for its youthful squad will begin to pay off in the new year.
On the netball court, United’s A-grade side is under new leadership, with Krystal Burns taking on A and B-grade duties after the departure of Tanner Edwards as A-grade coach.
A handful of recruits add to a side that played better than its two wins suggested throughout much of 2024, and the goal will be improving upon that total and seeing how far this year’s squad can go.
For Tongala, only two points denied the A-grade side a grand final, and a chance to defend their 2023 flag.
Milly Brock was set to join premiership coach Grace Hammond in charge this year, but illness has currently sidelined Brock from playing or coaching duties for the foreseeable future.
The veteran goal-shooter will be a significant loss for the Blues while she is out, but flags in B, C and C-reserve in 2024 show there is plenty of Blues talent knocking on the door for a senior call-up.
Moama’s 2025 campaign is set to get under way with a visit to Nathalia Recreation Reserve to face off with the Purples.
After three straight preliminary final defeats, Moama has changed things up this year.
Sam Sheldon has stepped away, with Liam Barrett joining Jye Warren as co-coach.
The playing group has also seen a shake-up with core players including Tom Holman and joint O’Dwyer medallist Jack Russell departing, while an effective recruiting drive has seen plenty of names inbound as well.
Nathalia missed finals in 2024 despite a winning record and should pose a worthy test for the new-look Magpies outfit.
In netball, Moama was on the precipice of the A-grade flag last season, but was run down by title favourite Rumbalara.
A leadership reshuffle will see Lisa Drysdale take over the coaching reins, with previous coach Olivia Taverna staying on in a playing capacity.
After a runner-up performance, not much needs to change for the Magpies to claim the 2025 flag, but Drysdale will have the club’s exceptional junior ranks to lean on should she be looking for new blood.
The club won all three junior premierships in 2024, the under-13s, 15s and 17s all prevailing on grand final day.
Nathalia was in a tight group of finals sides last year and will be a testing start to the new year for Moama.
Murray League A-grade games begin at 1.30pm, and seniors at 2pm, while the GVL also starts its seniors at 2pm, with A-grade netball beginning at 2.15pm.
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