The Gippsland League returns, and with hopes that a full season can be finished in 2022 it looms as a true return to football normality for the local community. After so long both fans and players will be eager to get back to the local grounds and compete hard for the ultimate prize. Here's what to expect in round one:

Saturday April 2nd

Bairnsdale vs Morwell
Time: 2:20pm
Location: Bairnsdale City Oval
Neither of the two sides in this contest had 2021 campaigns to remember, with both Bairnsdale and Morwell failing to threaten the top five for most of the year before the shutdown. It was a busy off-season for Bairnsdale, who have taken on many new recruits in an effort to improve their fortunes from last season where they managed just the one win. Morwell were not quite as active over the break, bringing in some new faces but clearly backing their younger players to develop this season. They have some reason to be hopeful, as while in 2021 they won just the two games, they finished the season with the best percentage of the teams outside the top five. This should be a hard fought contest, as both teams will relish the chance to put 2021 behind them and start the season with a win.

Drouin vs Maffra
Time: 2:20pm
Location: Drouin Recreation Reserve
Drouin will enter this match having lost a significant amount of experience in the off-season. Club games record holder David Olsen, former Gippsland League medallist Bob McCallum and key forwards Matt Stevens and Michael Thedoridis have all either retired or moved to other clubs. Further adding to this, 2021 best and fairest Eddie Morris is not expected to play many games for the Hawks this year, meaning a lot of pressure will be placed upon the younger players to take the club forward in 2022. They meet Maffra in their round one match-up, who have been the league's constant in finals for many years and will be looking to continue this in 2022. Expect this game to very telling as to how Drouin's younger side will shape up for the new season.

Leongatha vs Traralgon
Time: 2:20pm
Location: Leongatha Recreation Reserve
A top-tier match-up looms in this game, with both sides expecting to be there at the pointy end of the season. Leongatha retains most of its powerhouse list that topped the league in 2021 and will be difficult to beat, especially at home. Traralgon, similarly, will be hoping to be in the mix towards the top of the ladder, and will be boosted by the return of former premiership player Brett Eddy, who comes back to the club after stints and multiple clubs including AFL side Port Adelaide. Furthermore, the addition of 199cm former Gippsland Power ruckman David Bunker-Ritchie will provide more depth to a squad hoping to move up the table in 2022. This should be a strong contest between two teams keen to stamp their premiership credentials.

Moe vs Warragul
Time: 2:20pm
Location: Ted Summerton Reserve
A surprisingly interesting match-up looms in this game, despite the contrasting fortunes of both clubs last season. Moe, as they have done for a number of years now, were strong contenders in 2021, finishing in third before the season shutdown. On paper, they remain a strong team that should be once again competing at the top end of the table. Warragul, meanwhile, managed to secure just the one win in 2021, though remained relatively competitive in many of their matches. They will, however, be strongly bolstered by the recruitment of former AFL players Nick Graham and Jed Lamb as well as Mitch Smart and Ryan Brennan-Coulthard from local leagues. Expect the Gulls to come out firing as they seek to fire a warning shot to the rest of the competition and show that they are a team to be taken seriously in 2022.

Wonthaggi Power vs Sale
Time: 2:20pm
Location Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve
On paper, this shapes up to be the match of the round as two of the league's strongest sides do battle. Wonthaggi ended the 2021 season equal top of the table alongside Leongatha and, led by former Collingwood player Jarryd Blair, will be keen to begin the season as they finished the last. Sale finished 2021 in fourth, just two games behind the ladder leaders, and will be hoping the return of former Gold Coast player Jack Leslie to their coaching ranks will give them the extra push they need to contend for the premiership. This match should feature some of the best football the Gippsland League has to offer and is not to be missed.