Whether it is a determined Moama starting its journey to premiership contention with an intriguing clash against Mulwala, or a new-look Nathalia kicking off its campaign against a Cobram side that is hoping to be much improved.
There are bound to be a plethora of storylines from the weekend’s action.
But if you are looking for the headline act, Deniliquin’s Hardinge St Oval precinct is where you will find it, as the reigning premier Rams host Rumbalara in a tantalising grand final rematch.
Rumba and the Rams shared a fierce rivalry over the course of the 2022 season, as they battled out three thrilling contests in the lead-up to the decider — a match where Deniliquin completed its perfect campaign with a thumping 44-33 triumph.
So leading into this chance at redemption, you would expect the Rumba squad to be confident and determined it can turn the tide and break the Rams’ winning streak.
But a shift in the age demographic of Rumbalara’s netball program has A-grade mentor Jess Bamblett tempering expectations ahead of this contest as the club introduces some new blood to its top-flight squad.
“It is going to be a very different Rumba team from the one that played off in the grand final against Deniliquin last year,” Bamblett said.
“I am just hoping we are competitive and we stay in the range where it is not a blow out and the young girls playing their first senior game are up for the challenge.
“It’s a bit of a shame that these young girls have to play Deni first up, but I think it is a challenge they will embrace, so I’m excited to see how they tackle it.”
When it comes to bringing up memories of last year’s decider to fuel the fire ahead of this weekend’s rematch, Bamblett said she had opted against that approach with the major aim for the season being to nurture the club’s youth.
“We haven’t spoken about last year’s game, it’s not the conversation I need to have with this group of girls,” she said.
“We’ve got a young line-up, so the focus will be getting the girls playing to their strengths, improving as players and most important just having fun out there on the court.
“It doesn’t matter what the scoreline is, we just want to have a crack, and that is a sole focus heading into Saturday’s game.”
When it comes to the band of Rumbalara youngsters set to take the court on Saturday, Bamblett highlighted a trio of girls she expected to shine at senior level.
“After playing in a final against Nathalia last year Nakiah Bamblett will start her first full season of senior netball which is really exciting, I think she will be up for the challenge,” she said.
“Yilanii Atkinson just finished in the under-17s and will play her first game and is another exciting prospect coming through the ranks.
“While Tallara Saunders is another one who has really impressed and will make her debut, so to see these girls step up it is going to be very exciting watch.”
The remaining round one fixtures are Tongala playing host to Echuca United, Congupna taking on Barooga and Finley welcomes Numurkah under lights.
