EAGLEHAWK v STRATHFIELDSAYE – 2.20pm, Saturday at Canterbury Park.

Six months ago Strathfieldsaye stormed home to deny the Hawks a premiership that looked there’s for the taking.

That result will be in the back of the mind of the Eaglehawk players as they prepare for Saturday’s game against the Storm.

Strathfieldsaye has a new coach in Troy Coates and a host of new players, so round one might be the perfect time to tackle the reigning premier.

KYNETON v SOUTH BENDIGO – 2.20pm, Saturday at Kyneton Showgrounds.

The big question surrounding the Tigers entering the 2018 season is where will their goals come from?

Dynamic duo Ben Weightman and Mitch Scholard (151 goals between them in 2017) have left the club.

The Tigers midfield remains strong and they’ll be called on to hit the scoreboard more often.

The Bloods are tipped to be one of the big improvers. The return from injury of Kaiden Antonowicz gives South some much-needed class inside forward 50.           

MARYBOROUGH v CASTLEMAINE – 2.20pm, Saturday at Princes Park.

It’s only round one, but this game as the potential to play a big role in who wins the wooden spoon.

Maryborough and Castlemaine have had another big turnover of players and it’s hard to see them getting out of the bottom two places on the ladder.

All eyes will be on new Maryborough coach Ben Lavars to see how much improvement the Magpies have made under his watch.

GISBORNE v KANGAROO FLAT – 2.20pm, Saturday at Gardiner Reserve.

The finals hopes of Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat will rest largely on the improvement of their young players.

Both clubs made limited changes to their playing rosters in the off-season.

The Dogs young players showed encouraging signs in 2017 and new coach Clinton Young will be hoping they take the next step in 2018.

The Roos most valuable on-field acquisition is the expected return of coach Corey Greer from what was a potentially career-ending neck injury.

SANDHURST v GOLDEN SQUARE – 5.30pm, Saturday at QEO.

New Sandhurst coach Andy Collins faces a baptism of fire against the Dragons’ greatest rival.

The Dragons best form is good enough for them to return to the top three and they’ll be itching to start the season with a victory.

Golden Square blooded plenty of young players in 2017 and that’s where most of the club’s improvement will come in 2018. 

Brad Eaton and Jayden Burke are quality acquisitions, but depth remains a problem for the Bulldogs.

ROUND 1 TIPS

Adam Bourke – Eaglehawk (6), South Bendigo (8), Maryborough (10), Gisborne (14), Sandhurst (11).

Luke West – Eaglehawk (7), South Bendigo (10), Castlemaine (18), Gisborne (25), Sandhurst (12).

Kieran Iles – Strathfieldsaye (14), South Bendigo (2), Castlemaine (28), Gisborne (15), Golden Square (7).

Richard Jones – Eaglehawk (11), South Bendigo (17), Castlemaine (27), Gisborne (38), Sandhurst (9).

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HEATHCOTE DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE – ROUND 2

NORTH BENDIGO v MT PLEASANT – 2.15pm, Saturday at North Bendigo.

Both teams suffered opening round defeats, but the Bulldogs did play some good footy against Leitchville-Gunbower.

Mounts battled against a well-drilled LBU side and they’ll find it tough to crack the Bulldogs on their home turf.

LBU v HUNTLY – 2.15pm, Saturday at Lockington.

Clearly the match of the round after the Cats looked so impressive last week.

With premiership fancy Huntly to regain star trio Ryan Semmel, Jack Daley and Doug Thomas this week, this game will give us a better guide as to just how much Lockington has improved.

ELMORE v LEITCHVILLE-GUNBOWER – 2.15pm, Saturday at Elmore.

Good luck to the young Bloods. The Elmore boys always have a crack, but they’re fighting out of their class against the reigning premier.

The Bombers had a wayward day in front of the sticks in round one. If they kick straight on Saturday the scoreline could get ugly.

HEATHCOTE v COLBINABBIN – 2.15pm, Saturday at Heathcote.

HDFNL fans get their first look Heathcote for the season. Heathcote had some encouraging practice match form and look set to be improvers.

Colbo was understrength in round one win but still had a big win over Elmore. The Hoppers are the real deal this year.

ROUND 2 TIPS

Adam Bourke (4) – North Bendigo (52), LBU (4), Leitchville-Gunbower (88), Colbinabbin (48).

Luke West (4) – North Bendigo (48), Huntly (22), Leitchville-Gunbower (70), Colbinabbin (40).

Kieran Iles (3) – North Bendigo (64), Huntly (15), Leitchville-Gunbower (81), Colbinabbin (55).

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LODDON VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE – ROUND 1

Newbridge v Pyramid Hill - 2.15pm, Saturday at Newbridge.

Talk to some LVFNL fans and they’ll tell you the flag is already in Newbridge’s keeping.

It’s a big call to make before a ball has been kicked, but the Maroons certainly made the biggest impact in the off-season. Outside of the club, Pyramid Hill’s expectations are low. Inside the club, the Dogs are quietly confident they’ll be pushing for the finals.

Marong v Calivil United - 2.15pm, Saturday at Marong.

It will be interesting to see how the reigning premier Demons play after the departure of four of their top eight players from 2017. 

Marong has had a big turnover of players under new coach Corbin Fleming, but the expectations are the Panthers will improve on their 5-11 win/loss ratio from last season.

Mitiamo v Bridgewater - 2.15pm, Saturday at Mitiamo.

Both sides have undergone a plethora of changes in the off-season.

The Superoos have quietly gone about re-building their side and stiil look to have enough firepower to challenge in the finals. The Mean Machine have a new coach and a host of new players, headed by former Strath Storm star Shaun Everington.

BL-Serpentine v Maiden Gully YCW Eagles – 2.15pm, Saturday at Serpentine

The most intriguing match of the opening round.

The Bears appear well-placed to take the next step and be a top-three side, while the new-look Eagles have the potential to more than just challenge for fifth spot. The round one game will tell us plenty about both teams.

ROUND 1 TIPS

Adam Bourke – Newbridge (38), Calivil United (25), Bridgewater (4), BL-Serpentine (18).

Luke West – Newbridge (45), Calivil United (36), Bridgewater (32), BL-Serpentine (40).

Kieran Iles – Newbridge (50), Calivil United (5), Bridgewater (13), BL-Serpentine (2).