THE Mininera and District Football League/Netball Association fixture for 2023 is out with the new season getting underway on April 15.

Easter pushed back the start to the campaign, with the league opting not to play on April 1 then have a break the following week.

The usual winter holidays bye and King’s Birthday bye meaning the season will conclude on September 9, the same date as the South West District Football Netball League grand final.

Locations of some of the games are yet to be confirmed, but The Spectator expects the Pumas to start the season in Moyston, the Rams to play in Dunkeld first, Hawkesdale-Macarthur to make use of Macarthur Recreation Reserve in the early games and Lismore-Derrinallum to start its 2023 campaign in Derrinallum.

It is a busy start to the season for the local teams with a mini round robin in the opening rounds, with Glenthompson-Dunkeld, Hawkesdale-Macarthur, Penshurst and Caramut all playing each one or more neighbouring clubs in the first three rounds.

The Ararat Eagles are reigning premiers and will unfurl the premiership flag at Alexandra Oval in round in a grand final rematch against Tatyoon.

The final home and away round is set for August 12 with finals getting underway a week later.

September 9 is grand final day in what shapes up to be an intriguing season ahead.