Grand rematch under lights in Hills

A REMATCH of last season’s grand finalists, White Hills and Leitchville Gunbower highlights Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL senior footy season.

White Hills starts its run at back-to-back premierships under lights on its turf at Winslow Constructors Oval in Scott Street.

The clash of the Demons and Bombers will start at 5.30pm in the Demons den.

There’s been plenty of changes to the White Hills team which achieved premiership glory last September.

A new-look coaching panel is Ben Taylor, playing, and Brad McConnell, non-playing.

Increased work commitments in Ararat meant Peter Learmonth stepped down as co-coach on the eve of the season.

For the Bombers, Shannon Keam is in charge again as LG continues a remarkable rise from a 1-15 record and the wooden spoon in 2022.

Two of the league’s greatest rivals, Mount Pleasant and Heathcote meet in round one.

This match is not on Mounts’ turf in Toolleen but at Colbinabbin’s M.J. Morgan Oval from 2.30pm.

A fierce rivalry between the Blues and Saints includes the ’23 grand final in which Mounts triumphed by 19 points.

This season it’s Cam Carter, non-playing, and Josh Hann, playing, who will be coaching the Blues as they strive to hit back from last season’s sixth placing.

The Andrew Saladino-coached Saints have several exciting recruits.

Players to watch in the red, white and black include ruckman Aaron Gundry and key forward Dylan Johnstone.

North Bendigo tackles Elmore at Bendigo Club Oval in North Bendigo’s Atkins Street from 2.30pm.

It’s dual coaches for North Bendigo as dual premiership-winning coach Rob Bennett, non-playing, teams up with gun on-baller Ryan Hartley.

Lockington Bamawm United and Huntly clash under Lockington’s lights from 5.45pm.

Jayden Howe will chase a winning start as LBU’s senior coach against the Hamish Morcom-coached Hawks.

Colbinabbin has the bye.