The AFL may not have a Good Friday blockbuster but the Essendon District Football League will with Keilor and Strathmore to launch the season this year.
The reigning Division 1 premier will take on the 2008 premier on Friday, April 6, a week out from round one proper.
Keilor Recreation Reserve will host the match which was originally fixtured for round four.
The match will showcase two of the EDFL’s recent power clubs, with Strathmore set to debut recruits Adam Iaccobucci, Murray Silver, Andrew Horne and Ash Arrowsmith.
Keilor will be trying to make amends for two hidings from Strathmore last season after landing forward Jason Butty from the WRFL and boosting its tall stocks with ex-AFL ruckman Dean Putt and Clarence ruckman Drew Westfield.
The AFL has, in the Friday Night Football era, opted to play a Thursday night game and leave Good Friday empty.
“Clubs are thinking outside the square and looking for ways to raise their profile,” EDFL general manager Marc Turri said.
“It’s two high-profile teams, launching the season, there will be a lot of focus on Good Friday.
“There’s no better example of the day working than in country football leagues.”
Keilor and Strathmore will look to make Good Friday an annual blockbuster.
“From our point of view, any time the AFL doesn’t play (in Melbourne) on a Saturday is fantastic for us and on the whole suburban leagues,” Keilor president Craig Teal said.
“Good Friday gives us the opportunity to showcase our football and have a good crowd turn up.
“Strathmore’s going to be a hard team to combat but we’d never walk away from a fight.”
The game has been approved by Brimbank Council and AFL Victoria. Under-18s and reserves will play at regular starting times of 9.30am and midday with seniors starting at 2.15pm.
The EDFL season launch will be held after the opening game, on Wednesday April 11 at Windy Hill, while Strathmore’s round 1 match on April 14 is against Aberfeldie and Keilor is away at Oak Park.
Keilor will run a club function on Good Friday prior to the senior match, bookings can be made with Craig Teal on 0418 144 796.
