Steven Stroobants will have a massive test in his first game as coach with Rochester set to host the all-conquering Kyabram to start the 2021 Goulburn Valley League (GVL) season.
The game will be the first of a tough opening month for the Tigers who will also face Seymour, Euroa and Echuca in their first four games.
Speaking on the release of the fixture, GVL chairman David Roff said he was looking forward to the first bounces and centre passes on the Easter weekend.
“After a year unlike any other, we are eagerly looking forward to the return of football and netball in 2021,” Roff said.
“Round one kicks off over the Easter weekend with a Good Friday clash seeing Shepparton take on arch-rivals Shepparton United at Deakin Reserve.
“Remaining games will be played over the Easter weekend.
“Round four will see ANZAC Day matches played and an Indigenous Round has been scheduled to coincide with NAIDOC Week during round 13.”
An interleague bye has been scheduled for May 22.
The Indigenous Round will be across the weekends of July 3 and 10 to give teams another bye.
Round 16 is a spilt round.
The grand final is set to be played at Deakin Reserve on Sunday, September 19.
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