The GVL announced its fixture for next season on Friday, and it will see a notable return to the three-zone format.
The zones consist of clubs located nearest to one another, with the GVL dedicating two patches of “rivalry rounds”, fixturing consecutive rounds of clubs playing their local opponents to reduce travel burdens for the year and encourage attendance.
The three zones are the same as what has been previously used in the GVL, with zone one featuring Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester and Tatura, zone two including Mooroopna, Shepparton, Shepparton Swans and Shepparton United, and zone three being Benalla, Euroa, Mansfield and Seymour.
Rounds one, three and four, as well as rounds 13, 14 and 15 have been scheduled so that all games will be played within the aforementioned zones.
GVL board chair Peter Foott was enthused by the return of the three-zone format.
“The clubs are really excited to see the return of guaranteed local rivalries twice each season,” Foott said.
“We hope this encourages local fans to come out and support their local teams in what should see some exciting games on the football field and on the netball court.”
The 18-round season will begin on March 28, with a standalone clash between the previous two premiers Echuca and Kyabram to launch the 2026 campaign.
Echuca and Kyabram will play a second time in round one across the Easter weekend, giving the pair an extra game played over the competition until their scheduled bye in round 15.
Kyabram’s second round one match will be a home grand final rematch against Rochester, unfurling its flag in front of its envious rival that fell short on the last day of the season this year.
However, in the netball, Euroa will have to wait until round 10 for its grand final rematch against the Bears.
The football grand final rematch will be played on Good Friday, while a night game between Deakin Reserve tenants Shepparton and Shepparton United is also scheduled for the public holiday.
Mooroopna and Shepparton Swans will play an Easter Saturday night game that round as well.
Benalla’s campaign will also begin on Easter Saturday with a road trip to Seymour, taking on the Lions at Kings Park in what will be debut games in charge for both new senior football coach Nick Pearson and A grade netball mentor Colleen Balfour.
There are 10 night games scheduled through the opening four rounds of 2026, including three in round three and four on Anzac Day (round four).
The annual Say No To Violence Round is scheduled again for round eight, and Indigenous Round is marked for round 13.
Finals dates have been scheduled to begin on the weekend of August 29 and 30, with semi-finals held on the first weekend of September, followed by a Sunday preliminary final on September 13, and the grand final to be played on Sunday, September 20.
For the full 2026 fixture, visit the Goulburn Valley League Facebook page.
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