The sparkling new facility, which was opened mid-way through last season, is yet to be formally adopted as the home venue, but is the league’s priority choice, according to president Eddy Comelli.

“It’s got to be formalised, but at this stage it looks like Bungaree,” Comelli said.

“It certainly would showcase our competition. It’s a fantastic ground and probably the best facility in the district at this point in time.”

The venue would suit the preparations and game day planning of new Central Highlands senior coach Greg Middleton, who is also the head coach at Bungaree.

Middleton took over the role from Shane Skontra, who has led the Highlanders to victory during the past two years.

Central Highlands was 13-point winners over Ellinbank and District in Nar Nar Goon in 2012 and thumped Ovens and King by 109 points at Buninyong last year.

Middleton has also secured his coaching panel for the upcoming campaign.

He will be joined by Springbank recruit Tim Malone, who has represented the Ballarat league at senior level, Dunnstown’s Geoff Taylor Medallist Jaye Cahir and Hepburn premiership coach Clive Raak. Malone will work with the defensive end, Cahir the midfield and Raak the forwards.

Central Highlands, ranked 24, and Loddon Valley, ranked 23, will do battle on the weekend of May 24 and 25.

tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au