After more than 18 months without a competitive Wimmera league match, Ararat and Stawell will kick off the highly anticipated season on Friday, April 2.

The Good Friday contest generally draws a crowd comparable to a preliminary final and is set to bring football and netball back with a bang.

Round one proper will then begin on April 17, with reigning premiers Minyip-Murtoa to unveil their 2019 premiership flag against the Warrack Eagles.

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In other round one contests, the Horsham Saints host Dimboola, while Nhill will travel to Horsham's City Oval to take on Horsham in a night match.

The Southern Mallee Giants have the bye, and will begin their season on April 24 against the Warrack Eagles.

In other notable contests across the year, Horsham and the Horsham Saints will play on Anzac Day, Sunday, April 25.

Minyip-Murtoa will take on Dimboola on Sunday, June 6, the Queens Birthday weekend.

Finals will begin on August 28, while the grand final is slated for September 18.

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