THE Hamilton Kangaroos are set to open their 2022 Hampden Football Netball League season with one of the toughest road trips in the competition, travelling to Victoria Park to take on Koroit.

The league released the fixture on Tuesday with the Kangaroos away in round one on April 2 before their first home game at Melville in round two, hosting Warrnambool.

The Kangaroos will host Portland in the traditional Anzac Day clash between the two clubs, which will conclude round three on the Monday.

Kangaroos chairman, Lachy Patterson said the Kangaroos were looking forward to an early test against the Saints

“We are pretty happy with the draw, we think it’s a great test early on against Koroit,” he said.

“To be honest, we are just happy to get out on the park.

“We will work with clubs to work on putting some Super Saturdays together once the junior draw is released.”

The club did not put in many requests, with the Portland game the main fixture focus for the Kangaroos.

“Just the Anzac Day stuff was about it, realistically we are just focusing on getting back on the park and whatever the draw looks like, we are happy with it.,” Patterson said.

 The usual two byes are scheduled during the season, which may also be used as catch-up days if games are forced to be postponed due to COVID.

May 7 and July 2 will be football and netball free days, while the league’s indigenous round is set for round 12.

The Kangaroos will close their home and away season with a clash against Port Fairy at home on August 20.

Finals get underway a week later with the season decider locked in for September 17.

Warrnambool will also take to the renovated Reid Oval in round one, hosting Portland, with the venue also set to regain hosting rights of the grand final for the 2022 season.

North Warrnambool Eagles will also play three home games at the venue.

Full 2022 fixture is available on Page 19.