IT must feel like an eternity but the Central West AFL season is finally underway for the Bathurst Bushrangers this Saturday when they host the Orange Tigers.
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The long countdown is over for the Rebels who will put their new coaches and players to the test at George Park.
Steve Grundy and Matt Griffin will co-coach the Rebels outfit this season in their team's quest to go a match further than their 2016 preliminary final appearance.
The team were denied the grand final spot by their Outlaws club mates, who have the bye in this weekend's opening round.
Grundy said the Rebels have maintained some familiar faces for the new season.
"We had our draft around six weeks ago now. It's given us time to work on a few structures and game plans," he said.
I feel the Rebels side has a little bit more in attack compared to the team from last year.
- Steve Grundy
"We had a scratch match against the Outlaws guys and that was a really intense game.
"Harry Bowden was our best and fairest in the Rebels last season and he's back. My brother Peter is in and so is Bill Watterson, and they were a big part of our midfield.
"Shaun Noyen and Tom Regan were excellent last year. Both teams have a core group of players back, but there's still a few little changes.”
The Outlaws had the edge over the Rebels in every Bushrangers derby last year.
This season it’s hoped the two teams will enjoy some closer contests.
“We’ve tried to make sure that both teams have the depth in the midfield, because at the end of the day that’s where the ball starts from,” Grundy said.
“I feel the Rebels side has a little bit more in attack compared to the team from last year.”
Tigers struggled in last year's competition as they recorded just six wins from 17 games, missing the finals.
Grundy isn't sure what to expect from the Tigers come Saturday's game.
"I'm hoping for a strong Tigers side for the sake of the competition. That would be a good thing for everyone," he said.
"We both had a good scratch game the other week. Their coach Dale Hunter is a great bloke too, and knows his footy."
Rebels won all three of their matches against the Tigers in 2016, with the first meeting of the year being the closest.
The Bathurst team will aim for a bit more breathing space no this occasion than that eight point victory at Bloomfield Oval.
Outlaws will have to wait until the following weekend’s derby against the Rebels to get their season started.
Kick-off is at George Park from 2.30pm.
