The BFNL released the 2010 fixture yesterday, with reigning premiers Golden Square to host beaten grand finalists South Bendigo in a blockbuster season-opener on April 2.

Unlike the past few seasons where one or two matches have been stand-alone games to open the season, all 10 clubs will play in round one over the Easter weekend.

Other highlights of the draw include:

At least one night match in each of the opening six rounds;

Kangaroo Flat to host South Bendigo in a night match on Anzac Day;

The league has introduced two split rounds to ensure the season starts on the Easter weekend and still concludes the weekend before the AFL grand final; and

The league will continue its open scheduling of finals matches, with the marquee game in the first two weeks of the finals series to be played on Saturday night.

BFNL chief executive Steven Oliver said all clubs were “generally happy” with the draw.

“Easter weekend was a great success this year and there’s no other footy being played around the region,” Oliver said.

“The teams that were away teams over the Easter weekend this year have been given the opportunity to have home games next year.

“Having the grand finalists open the season has worked well the past couple of years and we were keen to go that way again.

“It also gives Golden Square its first chance to have a Good Friday game at its home ground.”

Oliver said the league did have the option of having a general bye next year, but decided to have two split rounds instead.

“We think it’s important that Bendigo footy is played every weekend over the year,” Oliver said.

“The two split rounds early in the second half of the year, when the weather is at its worst, will allow us to freshen up the grounds a bit and allow the clubs to have a break.”

Inter-league footy will be played on May 22, with Bendigo likely to host West Gippsland-LaTrobe at the QEO.

“It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we’re pushing to have the game in Bendigo,” Oliver said.

“Under the rankings the VCFL has done we’re rated at number eight and West Gippsland is number seven, but because we’re hoping we’ll get to host the game because we’ve travelled a lot in inter-league footy the past few carnivals.”