After plenty of intrigue surrounding Kyabram’s A-grade side, and the potential for forfeit, the club and league confirmed on Wednesday the Bombers will field all three open-age netball sides on Good Friday against Rochester.
Many senior players departed Kyabram for district clubs such as Tongala and Lancaster in the off-season, leaving the club strapped for numbers, however the Bombers have pulled through at the eleventh hour.
The pivotal opening round match will see the pair of club’s looked to start their respective seasons on the front foot after neither side made finals in 2025.
Also on Good Friday, Shepparton’s flag defence begins against Deakin Reserve co-tenants Shepparton United in the evening slot of 6:00pm.
The invincibles of last season look prepared to go kick start its 2026 campaign with a win, although the Demons will be buoyant its recruits Chloe Meulenmeesters and Sophie Garner can make an immediate impact.
In Saturday’s action, Seymour, the only team to draw with the undefeated Bears in 2025, travel to Benalla, while runners-up Euroa travel to Mansfield - hostile environments, but against beatable opposition that finished outside the top six last winter.
A fascinating match-up between Echuca and Tatura is also on the cards, as the Murray Bombers finished narrowly outside the top six by percentage last year and the Bulldogs fell short in its elimination final.
Both clubs will want to get underway with a win to spearhead a push for the post-season in 2026.
To close out the weekend, Mooroopna hosts Shepparton Swans in a night game on Saturday in the only clash between 2025 finalists this round.
The pair finished fifth and sixth respectively, and with aspirations to return to September, expect a fierce, tight battle this weekend.
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