The Gazette | COMPETITIVE round of fixtures has been set for the opening of the Ellinbank and District football season tomorrow.

Many pundits expect this season to be one of the closest yet, with sides towards the bottom and middle stages of the ladder expected to push with greater competitiveness.

ON field, the round will be headlined by reigning premier Neerim-Neerim South hosting a Longwarry side that will be looking to take the next step to a grand final appearance this season.

The return of young gun Cooper Brown from Beaconsfield will assist in their aims.The Cats enter the clash with a new-look forward line after the departures of Lachlan Bambridge, Mason McGarrity and Will Papley - who is testing himself at VFL level with Frankston.

With still much of its premiership side otherwise intact, expect the Cats to still be strong.

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