THE Ovens and Murray will play its first Saturday grand final in 37 years next season.
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League officials have locked in September 23 to make the most of a free weekend of football on the Border.
The change was considered last year after the AFL introduced a bye at the start of its finals series and gained momentum when only 4100 people attended this year’s grand final.
Ovens and Murray general manager Sean Barrett said there had been strong support for the change.
“The league is committed for next year,” Barrett said.
“From most aspects of the league and the general public, including a poll in The Border Mail, the feedback has been positive.
”From our perspective, it’s more about giving each local grand final its own weekend.”
The Hume league grand final is set to be played on September 16 with the AFL grand final scheduled for September 30.
Lavington president Peter Barwick backed the league’s decision to play the first premiership decider on a Saturday since North Albury and Wangaratta Rovers clashed in 1980.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Barwick said.
“Playing footy on a Saturday is a traditional thing here and I think it’s a good opportunity for the league.
“It will give people an extra day to travel and it might help get more to the game.”
The Ovens and Murray season kicks off on April 1 with each club hosting two matches in the first month of the home and away series.
Myrtleford host Yarrawonga, Albury play Wodonga Raiders, North Albury take on Corowa-Rutherglen, Wodonga meet Wangaratta Rovers and Wangaratta do battle with Lavington in round one.
“We wanted the season to start with a bang and we think we have achieved that,” Barrett said.
“There are certainly marquee games throughout the season but the first four rounds are particularly exciting.”
Seven Sunday home and away matches are scheduled.