Football and netball communities across East Gippsland are gearing up for the 2026 season with finals–fitting enthusiasm as clubs prepare for action this weekend.
In East Gippsland, preparations are underway for season openers this Saturday, April 11 with rivalry matches set to draw strong crowds and local interest as community clubs look to climb the ladder after competitive finishes last year.
Reigning premier Wy Yung will be one of many teams hoping to carry momentum into this season.
It unfurls its premiership flag at Tigerland as it welcomes a rejuvenated Lakes Entrance. 2025 runner-up Lucknow heads down the highway to face the Orbost Snowy Rovers, both teams feeling fresh with new coaching panels, while Paynesville and Lindenow will lock horns at AJ Freeman Reserve.
In arguably the match of the round, Stratford will host western rival, Boisdale Briagolong. Clashes between the Swans and Bombers always live up to the hype.
Further up the East Gippsland highway, the Omeo District Football Netball League — one of the oldest country leagues in Victoria, dating back to 1893 — will kick off its 2026 campaign on April 11, with opening fixtures including Lindenow South versus Buchan and Omeo–Benambra versus Bruthen.
Off–season challenges have also shaped the competition, with Swan Reach Football Netball Club confirming it will not field teams in the ODFNL this year due to player and resource shortages, meaning clubs will receive byes.
At the top end of regional football, the Gippsland League — widely recognised as the premier football and netball competition in the region — is finalising preparations for its 2026 season.
Recent off–season activity in the league has seen several clubs refresh their lists with new talent and notable returning players, with Moe Football Club making headlines by securing four ex–AFL players, experienced VFL recruits and promising young talent from Gippsland Power, marking them as a team to watch in 2026.
Bairnsdale will be aiming to climb up the ladder under second year coach Kane Ashwood after an inconsistent 2025.
