Melton football and netball derbies will kick off the Ballarat Football Netball League season on Saturday.
Melton South will host Melton in both football and netball matches in the only BFNL fixtures for the weekend.
Already a big match-up every year, the senior football match will have extra spice with former AFL star Brendan Fevola making his debut for the Panthers as both player and co-coach.
The Panthers have been one of the busiest teams in the off season, adding four former AFL players Fevola, Tayte Pears, Nick Kommer and Mitch Banner.
With a big crowd expected, the Panthers have decided not to allow parking in the ground for the safety of supporters.
Club secretary Tammy Watkins said they isn’t a lot of external room around the ground.
“We’re not sure many people will attend the game, but we’re looking at having a really big crowd.
“We’re rather see more people be able to get into the ground to watch the action.”
Spectators will be able to park about 300 metres from the ground, with Melton council giving the club permission to use Police Park on McKenzie Street for parking.
Watkins said it was likely this parking arrangement would be in place for other big games, including Good Friday against Sunbury Lions and Anzac Day against North Ballarat City.
Darley and Bacchus Marsh will start their seasons on April 23.
