The Central Wheatbelt Football League's 2025 Season Opener was a powerful display of community, connection, and country sport at its best — with over 500 people through the gate and a full day of football, netball, hockey, and junior matches bringing the town of Kalannie to life.

Introduced in 2023 the Opening Round brings all league clubs — Bencubbin, Koorda, Beacon, Mukinbudin and Kalannie — to a single venue ahead of the busy seeding season. The event is designed to unite the region and provide a rare opportunity for the entire community to gather in one place to celebrate the start of the sporting year.

On the courts, netball fans were treated to an early-season thriller, with Koorda edging out Bencubbin 38–34 in a fiery rematch of the 2024 Grand Final. With just two goals in it during the final quarter, the intensity lived up to expectations. In the second match, Mukinbudin showed strong early form, comfortably accounting for Beacon 40–14.

Hockey delivered similar dominance, with Koorda defeating Bencubbin 7–0 and Mukinbudin recording a 5–1 win over Beacon.

In football, Bencubbin held off a determined Koorda side, winning 15.6 (96) to 11.10 (76) in a quality contest. Beacon also impressed in their opener, claiming a 14.6 (90) to 7.2 (44) victory over Mukinbudin.

One of the standout moments of the day came from the next generation, with a combined junior netball and football match drawing huge cheers from the crowd. A total of 26 junior netballers and around 40 junior footballers took part, with the games offering a chance for young players to compete against others their own age in a fun and supportive environment. "It’s always one of the highlights of the day," said Rebecca Fuchsbichler, Central Wheatbelt Football League President. "We do our best to schedule combined junior fixtures during the season, but none have the same magic as the Opening Round."

The large crowd and smooth operation of the day were thanks in no small part to the Kalannie community, which hosted the event. In a unique approach, the host town does not field teams during the Opening Round, allowing volunteers to focus on coordinating activities across all three sports. Live streaming of the matches, facilitated by the Shire of Dalwallinu, allowed supporters from across the Wheatbelt to watch from afar, further enhancing accessibility and reach.

“The event goes well beyond just football,” said Fuchsbichler. “It’s a celebration of our whole community. Whether you’re a player, coach, volunteer, or just there to support friends and family, there’s something for everyone.”

The coordination across football, netball and hockey is a hallmark of the region’s approach to sport, and the Opening Round builds on this by extending timeframes and drawing in wider support. “Our fixtures are aligned, and adding the double-header Opening Round gives people the time and space to support all sports,” Fuchsbichler said. “It’s not just logistically possible — it’s a win for everyone involved.”

Football continues to play a central role in the Wheatbelt’s sporting ecosystem — not just as a game, but as a community anchor. Match days double as social gatherings, bringing together generations of people and supporting fundraising, volunteerism, and junior development. When football, netball and hockey share the same stage, the impact goes beyond sport, creating a vibrant space where the entire community thrives.

The Central Wheatbelt Football League Season Opener isn’t just a start to the season — it’s a celebration of what happens when a region comes together through sport. With Round 1 now complete, the stage is set for a spirited and community-driven 2025 season.

A big thank you goes to John Douglas from Dartfish for filming all matches throughout the day. If you’d like to catch up on the action or relive your favourite moments, you can watch the replay here: https://dartfi.sh/eCXm78hXBH0