THE growing Ballarat Football League rivalry that is Redan and North Ballarat City will have another chapter added on Saturday, although both sides will be somewhat depleted headed into the season opener.
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Redan will be missing a handful of senior players, with Brett Dickinson, Jarrett Giampaolo, Leigh Ryall and Mitch Phelps to all be out of action.
Their opponent, reigning premier North Ballarat City, will not be without its own selection headaches however, with recruit Marcus Darmody not playing while he is overseas.
Premiership players Ryan Luke and Marc Greig whill miss through suspension and VFL commitments respectively, while there is also a cloud of doubt hanging over dual Henderson Medallist Jason McNamara, who is battling soreness.
However, ruckman Tristan Cartledge is a 90 per cent chance to play, according to coach Rob Waters.
IN OTHER matches, a number of former Ballarat players are returning to the Swans' nest this week for the clash against Melton South, including Shane Hutchinson and Will McGregor.
The Panthers are set to introduce a swag of new recruits, but will be without Doug Thomas, who is still unavailable due to a lingering suspension from last year.
Lake Wendouree will go in at full strength against East Point, which is expecting to blood at least six new faces.
And speaking of new faces, there will be at least 10 running out for Melton against Sebastopol on Saturday, including new Bloods coach Brad Murphy.
Sebastopol coach Phil Carman has also hinted at some key names to be included at selection tonight, although we will have to wait and see who they are.
And, in the final match for the weekend, Sunbury will undoubtedly field a completely different side due to the publicised max exodus of players over the summer.
They will go in underdogs as Darley, which will this year have to handle the tags as one of the best sides in the league.
BFL ROUND 1 DRAW
SATURDAY
Redan v North Ballarat City
Ballarat v Melton South
Lake Wendouree v East Point
Melton v Sebastopol
Sunbury v Darley.