Golden Square and Castlemaine both made the finals last season, finishing first and second on the ladder, and are again expected to finish in the top four this summer.

For the winner of today’s clash, it would be the ideal start to the season knowing it has beaten one of the premiership contenders first up.

The two sides met twice last season, with each winning one battle, although Castlemaine won the one that counted, defeating Golden Square in the major semi-final, which was the start of Square’s straight-sets finals exit.

Today’s game will feature last season’s two leading skippers in Castlemaine’s Rod Phillips and Golden Square’s Barry Anset.

Last time: 2007-08 major semi-final: Castlemaine 90 d Golden Square 75.

Prediction: Golden Square by six.

Strathfieldsaye v Inglewood

Inglewood marks its return to A1 competition when it travels to Strathfieldsaye.

Inglewood has been promoted to A1 after winning last season’s A2 premiership.

Both Inglewood and Strathfieldsaye are tipped to struggle this season, with today presenting as what could be a rare opportunity for either side to win a game, ensuring it will be a keenly fought contest.

When Inglewood last competed in A1 in the 2006-07 season, it won just two games - one of which was a 96-76 win against Strathfieldsaye in round seven.

Last time: Round 14 of 2006-07 season: Strathfieldsaye 106 d Inglewood 86.

Prediction: Strathfieldsaye by nine.

Eaglehawk v Bendigo

Reigning premier Eaglehawk begins its tilt at its fourth consecutive flag with a home game against Bendigo.

However, Eaglehawk will be without the talented Phil Godkin today, with his rink to be skippered by Noel Wilkinson.

Today will be the first time the two sides have met since Bendigo was stripped of the 15 points it earned for beating Eaglehawk in round eight of last season for manipulation of the draw.