Sold out within minutes, the Mars Stadium clash is not just about the two AFL clubs, but it's also the first real chance for pandemic-riddled regional Victoria to announce it is back in business to the rest of the country.

While of course we avoided the worst of the lockdowns that hit Melbourne for four months last year, it's been a tough slog back for many regional communities who have long hoped for a return to some sort of normality.

But as tourism continues to suffer the long term effects as people continue to cancel long-awaited holidays based on state government's and their propensity to shut borders on a whim, sport is leading the way in bringing back a sense of returning to life to the community.

Next week local football and netball is back after more than 18 months, but this week it's the time for the professional athletes to strut their stuff, and let's be honest, if it wasn't for these professional athletes keeping us entertained the past 12 months, there's no telling where we would have been.

Ballarat sport fans have a plethora of choice this weekend. Not only will we see the AFL's most in-form side battle with last year's preliminary finalists, we'll also see Super Netball champions Melbourne Vixens also on court, not once, but twice against Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Vixens general manager of netball participation Mel Taylor said bringing Super Netball to the regionals was important not just for regional Australians but to the club.

"The fact that we can take the Melbourne Vixens to regional Victoria means a lot to us," she said.

"It supports the great participation that we have at grassroots level throughout regional Victoria and also gives everyone the opportunity to see elite netball, and I think is a great asset for our sport.

"I was personally devastated that we had to pull the pin on last year's event at Ballarat Sports Events Centre, but thrilled that we get to go back and visit Ballarat again and showcase what is a great stadium and really highlight that asset for Ballarat and the whole of western Victoria. We're super, super excited.''

Away from the top clubs in the land, there's also a lot of the local elite that will b in action

The round-ball code sees the in-form Sebastopol Vikings, fresh off back-to-back wins to start the season, and Ballarat City FC, itself coming off the back of an FFA Cup stunner last week against Altona both in action at home.

It was soccer that made the initial return, with Western United already hosting two A-League matches in the city.

On Friday, we even got to see our top basketballers in both the Miners and The Rush make their debut at their brand new stadium as they prepare for home-and-away season next week.

This weekend is a time to celebrate what we love about elite sport, one week before our local heroes return.