The release of the qualifying and first-round draws by Football Federation Victoria on Tuesday has seen the Vikings pitted against state league three east heavyweights Mazenod United.

The Vikings will play Mazenod on the road in round one of the Victorian preliminaries, set for February 21.

Sebastopol senior coach Michael Busija said the club could benefit from the match, given it was striving to achieve the same feat that Mazenod accomplished last year in earning promotion from state league four.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity to see where we’re at,” Busija said.

The Vikings’ pre-season training intensity has been increasing steadily over the past few weeks, with the club preparing to play a series of practice matches.

Busija and his side comfortably dispatched the BDSA All Stars in a friendly earlier this pre-season and their attention now turns to Kings Domain in the Kings Cup this Saturday.

The Vikings’ three men’s sides and newly promoted state league women’s side will play Kings Domain outfits for the traditional aggregate honours.

Sebastopol will follow on from the Kings Cup with another friendly, this time against National Premier Leagues One outfit Bendigo City.

Vikings will play Melbourne City in their season opener at St Georges Reserve.