By Mikayla van Loon
The Eastern Football Netball League has released the 2022 fixture for division one, which will see teams kick off in early April.
The 10 clubs in the division will get started on 2 April, with 18 rounds to be played in total.
It will be a thrilling opening weekend of football with Mooroolbark and Mitcham meeting for the first time since the one point difference match that saw Mooroolbark just take the lead in the final game of the 2021 season.
Two coaches will also make their debuts in the first round with Lilydale Football Club coach Luke McCormick and Montrose Football Club coach Gary Ayres taking to the field.
Lilydale will face local rivals Croydon in the opener at the Blues home ground.
After finishing in ninth place last season, Lilydale will be out to prove themselves against the top four side in Croydon.
Ayres will also be in the spotlight as Montrose take on the premiership favourites East Ringwood after their stunning 2021 season.
The two new coaches will come up against each other in round three when the Demons host the young Falcons.
Division one welcomes the newcomers Beaconsfield to the league and the division after they transferred over from the AFL Outer East early in the off-season to replace the Minor Premier Park Orchards as they moved up to Premier Division.
Teams will meet each other twice throughout the season, with a home and away game each.
The top five will play off in the finals series beginning on 20 August with the Grand Final scheduled for 10 September.
To view the full fixture go to the EFNL’s website.
