AFTER a massive off-season, Ovens and King football makes its return this Easter weekend, with the showdown between Moyhu and Greta set to open the season.

The Hoppers host the Blues for a round one Good Friday hit-out, and with a bumper crowd expected to pack the Moyhu Recreation Reserve, it’s sure to be a cracking game.

Hoppers’ coach Darren Bell said the match would be a tough task for his young list, up against a side which many punters have locked in for a finals berth.

“We’ve had a great block since a couple of practice matches we played,” he said.

“It’s a big challenge for this young group.

“Greta, with their straight-sets exit last year in the finals, I’m sure they’re out to prove they’re better than that, and with a few big recruits we’ve got a big challenge ahead of us.

“It’s a matter of trying to play our game and match it with their game.”

The Hoppers skew younger than many sides in the O&K, but their athletic ability and willingness to make a contest will hold them in good stead.

“We want to see where we sit, I suppose - we know there’s probably four really good sides in it, and we’re up against one this week,” Bell said.

“I just want to see how our new leadership group plays their roles this week, and get the boys up and about.

“We’ve got Liam Cook and Matt Thrum as our new co-captains, they’ve been really good over the preseason, I couldn’t ask any more out of them, and another six or seven boys have stood up underneath them as well.

“Greta have got that many players you’ve got to watch from all ends of the ground, so we’ve all just got to be accountable.

“I know their midfield, there are a few good ones in the league, but they’re right up there, especially with a couple of recruits they’ve picked up.

“We’re going to be hard pressed in there, but we’ve worked on a lot of midfield stuff so we’re prepared.”

Bell said the atmosphere would be incredible out at Moyhu, with the fences packed with locals and tourists eager to take in some exciting footy.

“It’s great we’re the opening match of the season on Good Friday, home ground, so it’s a big spectacle for the boys,” he said.

“They’re all excited, and I just hope they can hold their nerves and make a good account of themselves.

“It was great last year out at Greta in the second round last year, but in the first round everyone’s excited to see where everyone sits.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of people there, holidaymakers as well, so it promises to be an exciting start to the O&K.”

The Hoppers take on Greta at Moyhu tomorrow, with the senior match to begin from 2pm.