HARCOURT and Bears Lagoon-Serpentine will kick off North Bendigo's Country Football Challenge Tournament on Friday night.
The Lions and Bears are among seven teams competing in the pre-season tournament and will play the first of the matches from 6pm at Atkins Street.
Also taking part in the pre-season hit-out are host club North Bendigo, Maryborough, Charlton, Swan Hill and the Horsham Demons, who are the reigning Wimmera league premiers.
The tournament, which has AFL legend Kevin Sheedy as its ambassador, will culminate with a grand final from 1.30pm on Sunday.
Friday night's second game will feature Maryborough taking on North Bendigo.
The Magpies had hoped high-profile signing Stewart Crameri would line up in the game, but coach Ben Lavars confirmed on Thursday he has had to pull out.
"Up until Tuesday night he was playing, but unfortunately, he's had some family stuff come up and he can't come across," Lavars said.
"It's a bit of a shame because it would have been great for the carnival."
WEEKEND FIXTURE:
Friday:
6pm - Harcourt v BL-Serpentine
7.45pm - Maryborough v North Bendigo
Saturday:
1pm - Swan Hill v Charlton
2.45pm - Horsham Demons v Harcourt
4.15pm - BL-Serpentine v North Bendigo
5.45pm - Maryborough v Swan Hill
7.30pm - Charlton v Horsham Demons
Sunday:
1.30pm - grand final
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