In the last match of Mininera and District Football League, fans watched Great Western beat Penshurst by five points in the dying minutes of a game at Lake Bolac.

It was the 2019 grand final, a long time ago in any footy language and it represented a major achievement for a Great Western team searching for its first Mininera flag. So where does it leave us now, after a year off due to the virus pandemic?

Great Western is reigning title-holder and the first match of its premiership defence will be against 2019 grand-final rival Penshurst.

The Lions will be keen to continue what they started in 2019 but will have plenty of challengers to their throne.

The game is one of many across the league signalling a return to football and netball activities.

Ararat’s Alexandra Oval will be abuzz on Saturday, with Ararat Eagles taking on Lismore-Derrinallum.

Moyston-Willaura will welcome Wickliffe-Lake Bolac to Moyston, perennial force Tatyoon will meet Glenthompson-Dunkeld and SMW Rovers will slip across to Macarthur to meet Hawkesdale-Macarthur.

Woorndoo-Mortlake has drawn Caramut in its first game.

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