Country football is finally back and the Central Highlands Football League (CHFL) is kicking off with a bang as Waubra raises its 2019 premiership flag and Carngham Linton unveils its new lights.
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The Kangaroos host Dunnstown at home and after over 18 months of waiting, will finally raise its 2019 senior flag.
Coach Matt James told The Courier the club, its players and supporters were excited to look back on the 2019 success.
"I guess we are excited as a club to unveil the flag, I would say there is a fair amount of pride probably from club members who will be celebrating it when it is lifted up," he said.
"We have enjoyed the achievement and will be out to hopefully create opportunities for future success."
Premiership captain Tom Nash has returned to the club and will be in action for Waubra alongside new captain Austin Murphy, who kicked four goals in the triumph.
Carngham Linton will unveil its new lights, over a year after they were ready for the 2020 season.
The Saints host Beaufort from 6:35pm.
Club president Greg Spratling told The Courier it was a thrill to finally show off the lights and put on a great spectacle to start the season.
"We're really excited, we've got a theme to it, 'Light up Linton' night, which obviously is trying to attract families out to the footy. We're trying to get as many old players, sponsors and all that back to our club," he said.
"Beaufort have got a good support, they've been really good in agreeing to the night game. Looking forward to a big night."
Spratling added the lights were installed in 2019 and used for training purposes throughout that season. Plans were to use them for games in 2020 but due to COVID-19, have yet to be used for a regular season game.
Bungaree v Buninyong
at Bungaree, 2:35pm
Last time: Bungaree 4.10.34 d Buninyong 2.5.17, round one 2019
A quick word: Both sides have recruited well while maintaining the core of their 2019 list. Bungaree is looking to climb into the finals following its 10th placed finish in 2019. Its mix of youth and experience is something I like the look of. Buninyong, the reigning minor premiers, are pushing for that elusive premiership. With its influx of quality players, they loom as another top four threat in my eyes. A great match-up to kick off an exciting season.
Predictions: Buninyong
Clunes v Creswick
at Clunes, 2:35pm
Last time: Creswick 13.11.89 d Clunes 6.5.41, round one 2019
A quick word: Clunes have added some senior leadership to its young core in Alex Richies (North Ballarat) and Alex Bowd and John Fazzio (North Shore). With Ryan and Josh Thompson also returning the Magpies look more competitive. Creswick looks poised for a finals breakthrough after its 13th placed finish in 2019. More midfield depth adds another element to its game. Important game for both sides to kick-start the year well.
Predictions: Creswick
Daylesford v Hepburn
at Daylesford, 2:35pm
Last time: Hepburn 19.15.129 d Daylesford 5.7.37, round one 2019
A quick word: My premiership favourite in Hepburn against my projected biggest riser in Daylesford. The classic rivalry that always seems to deliver. The Burra's have retained most of their 2019 grand final side and added some classy recruits. A fantastic way to start the CHFL season.
Predictions: Hepburn
Learmonth v Rokewood-Corindhap
at Learmonth, 2:35pm
Last time: Rokewood-Corindhap 14.15.99 d Learmonth 3.3.21, round one 2019
A quick word: Two teams around the mark finals wise in 2019 that are hoping for a breakthrough this year. Rokewood-Corindhap have been touted as the biggest improvers of the competition by the fans while Learmonth have flown under the radar for the pre-season. Both enter the season with high hopes, the game is poised to be one of the closer matches to open the season.
Predictions: Rokewood-Corindhap
Skipton v Gordon
at Skipton, 2:35pm
Last time: Gordon 15.11.101 d Skipton 12.13.85, round one 2019
A quick word: The task for first year Skipton coaches Sam Willian and Andrew Pitson gets off to a tough start against Shannon Byrnes and Gordon. With a big exodus, the Emus have added some quality BFL talent to add depth to its midfield and forward stocks. Gordon looks poised for another top four finish with a healthy list. Both finals contenders with key recruits, one of the games of the round.
Predictions: Gordon
Springbank v Newlyn
at Springbank, 2:35pm
Last time: Newlyn 9.11.65 d Springbank 5.8.38, round one 2019
A quick word: Finals sides from 2019 face off in a thriller at Wallace. Key recruits on both sides and of course Marcus Darmody in the forward line for the Cats. If Springbank can stop the 100 goal kicker from 2019 its gives itself a huge chance of winning. Under new coach Chris Banwell, the Cats will be keen to get 2021 off to a flyer.
Predictions: Newlyn
Waubra v Dunnstown
at Waubra, 2:35pm
Last time: Waubra 13.8.86 d Dunnstown 7.8.50, round one 2019
A quick word: A great day for Waubra unveiling its 2019 senior premiership flag, finally. 13 premiership players won't be playing, one of the biggest changes in recent memory from premiership team to round one team the following year. Dunnstown are keen to make amends for its missing of the finals in 2019. It is poised to be a close clash.
Predictions: Waubra
Carngham Linton v Beaufort
at Carngham Linton, 6:35pm
Last time: Beaufort 20.11.131 d Carngham Linton 2.6.18, round one 2019
A quick word: Carngham Linton finally gets to unveil its new lights in a night game to open the 2021 campaign. Nearly two years in the making, 'Light up Linton' night is sure to attract a big crowd. The Crows, under new co-coaches Brendan Howard and Mitchell Jenkins have put together a nice list however and look poised for another tilt at the premiership in 2021.
Predictions: Beaufort
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