EXCITEMENT for the 2025 SS&A Ovens and Murray Football Netball League season is building already, with the league releasing the season fixture on Wednesday morning. It all kicks off on April 5, with a blockbuster standalone season opening Wangaratta Derby between the Rovers and Magpies at W.J. Findlay Oval. The Rovers will have to wait until round six for their senior football grand final rematch against Yarrawonga, set to take on the Pigeons at JC Lowe Oval on May 17. Wangaratta will be under lights for their round one night game clash with Corowa Rutherglen at home. Round two’s Easter fixture will see matches played across three days around the region, with the Rovers hosting Albury on Friday, April 18, and the Magpies taking on Yarrawonga on the road on Sunday, April 20. Wangaratta will host Myrtleford on Friday, April 26 at 3pm in their ANZAC round match-up. Interleague is set to take place on Saturday, May 24, which will see the O&M host GVL in football and netball. Round 12 is the league’s Indigenous Round on July 5, and Hall of Fame celebrations begin with the function to be held on Wednesday, July 16, and some big clashes across the dedicated split round beginning with Lavington and Albury playing a standalone fixture on Saturday, July 19. Finals are set to begin on the weekend of August 30 and 31, with the big day, the grand final set for Saturday, September 21 at the Lavington Sportsground. O&M league chairman David Sinclair said the 2025 season looked to be one of the most compelling in years. “Off the back of an incredibly exciting 2024, the SS&A Ovens & Murray FNL cannot wait to see what is in store for the 2025 season,” he said “Despite the equality of all clubs receiving nine home games apiece, the compilation of the fixture needs to consider each club’s individual situation and requests, with an attempt to maximize each club’s home games as much as possible. “This year’s fixture created more complexities than usual with Easter falling the weekend before ANZAC Day. “We look forward to seeing plenty of interest in the early season marquee matchups, with some high-quality football and netball expected.” Wangaratta FNC co-president Jon Henry said despite scheduling complications, it was a very good fixture. “What we spoke to the league about is the last couple of years it’s been either a really good draw or a really poor draw, and trying to even that up a bit, which we think they have done this year,” he said. “We focus on getting two home games in April, that’s what we focus on when we look at our draw, because that’s when you get your best crowds, when the weather’s still good, we can usually get one or two games under lights. “When we generally play under lights early in the season, our gate takings are up anywhere from 30-50 per cent.” Wangaratta Rovers FNC co-president Wendy Lester said the club was looking forward to hosting the first games of the season. “Traditionally we’re trying to start with the Derby, it gives a bit of excitement to everyone locally, so we’re very happy we’re playing them first round,” she said. “It’s difficult to do a draw that suits everyone because Easter runs into ANZAC Day this year, and there are certain other things. “There are fewer byes this year which is better, I thought it was a bit too drawn out beforehand. “We’re starting later, we started in March last year and we’ll start in April this year, which is much better for us because cricket goes right to the end of March and ground availability is very difficult, it’s much better for us to start in April. “Hopefully it works in everyone’s favour, but we’re happy to be playing round one at home, and hopefully it’s a good season for everyone.”
