The Devils, who enjoyed an outing in the FFA Cup last month are expected to the front runner again this season after a edging the Tigers 1-0 in last year’s grand final. 

Long-standing Tigers coach Luke Adams will captain the first grade Wolumla outfit again this year and said he was looking forward to the grand final rematch so early in the season. 

“Bega have been the benchmark for a number of years and I’m guessing 2018 will be no different,” Mr Adams said. 

“We have lost a couple of key blokes from last year, but we have picked up some pretty handy players and I am excited to see how they will fit into our style of play.”

Bega coach Jordan Stafford had earlier said it was a similar scenario for the Devils, whose first grade line-up would look a lot different to last years. 

However, there is strength in numbers for the Bega club, who have put forward two reserve grade sides this year and have restored the She Devils ladies side after missing the women’s draw last year. 

Football has been a growth sport in the area and Wolumla Registrar Kellie Rosseland said it could be the best season yet for the Tigers based on registrations for the community club. 

“I have just finished signing up the most players and coaches the WFC has ever seen,” Ms Rosseland said. “We have at least one team in every age group except the 16s with our premiers from last year moving up the grades, but the number of Junior’s is phenomenal.”

Ms Rosseland said the NSW Government’s Active Kids Vouchers had been well received with a large number of players using the voucher to sign on with the club. 

Daniel Kennedy will shift into the coaching role for the Tigers reserves and look to back up last year’s premiership, while Ladies captain-coach Kirsty McPaul said the Tigresses were still hunting for an elusive premiership. 

“The ladies have shown plenty of enthusiasm and commitment at training so far and we have a full book of players,” Ms McPaul said. 

“The Bega girls weren’t in the competition last year, so it will be great to get back to Bega and see what challenge lies ahead.”

The opening round matches between the Tigers and Devils will start at 9am for under 8s on Sunday with games held at George Griffin Oval and the Bega Athletics Fields. 

Senior play kicks off at 12.20pm for reserves with ladies at 1.40pm and first grade at 3pm.

Tathra’s first grade have a round one bye.