The Bulldogs hold the cup courtesy of their 55-point win over Huntly in round seven, last season.

Saturday will be the Bulldogs’ first game of the season after having the bye in the opening round.

Having played in a grand final and a preliminary final the past two years, the Bulldogs look to have a list under new joint-coaches Neville Massina and Rob Bennett to again be among the top sides.

Huntly suffered a frustrating opening last week when it was beaten by a kick after the siren against Mount Pleasant and will be determined to avoid a 0-2 start to the season.

• Colbinabbin faces another tough test when it’s at home to Leitchville-Gunbower.

The Grasshoppers were beaten by reigning premier Lockington-Bamawm United by 34 points last week, and must now confront the Bombers, who shape as one of this season’s top flag contenders.

The Bombers showed positive early signs last week when they kicked away from White Hills after half-time to win by 59 points.

• White Hills will chase its first win of the season when it tackles Mount Pleasant in what’s a clash of two teams that bolstered their lists with former Bendigo Football League talent over the off-season.

The Blues snuck over the line against Huntly last week, with Matt Gretgrix (six) and Jarrod Findlay (five) combining for 11 goals, while the Demons should enjoy getting back on their smaller ground after running out of legs against Leitchville-Gunbower.

• Heathcote faces the HDFL’s biggest challenge against Lockington-Bamawm United.

The Saints last week endured a unique start to the season when their encounter with Elmore was abandoned in the second quarter following an injury to coach Grant Ford, while the Cats were too slick for Colbinabbin.