THE Picola and District league has undergone some major structural changes over summer, dividing the competition into two divisions to cater for its growing number of clubs.
After admitting Jerilderie to its ranks last year, the league has now added its 17th club, Rennie, from the NSW-based Hume league.
The extra club forced the league to split into Picola South East, with eight clubs, and Picola North West, with nine clubs.
Both divisions are comprised of Victorian and NSW clubs, and both have voted to hold a final five series spread over four weeks.
David McKenzie has stepped aside after 30 years as league president.
McKenzie played 406 senior games for Picola, bettered only at league level by Wunghnu player Bill Burkitt who notched up about 435 games.
Veteran Yarroweyah administrator Bruce Tuhan has been elected to replace McKenzie.
Clubs have appointed several well-credentialled coaches, including Jason Wild (Katamatite), Ross Andrew (Yarroweyah), Jason Sanderson (Jerilderie), Jon Varcoe (Waaia) and Haydn Best (Shepparton East).
Despite the significant effects of the long-running drought, land aggregation, economic downturn and the movement of players out of the area, the league remains confident of a successful season, with strong club leadership to play a key role.
Both Picola South East and Picola North West kick off their seasons on Good Friday, the only two country Victorian leagues to start their seasons on the Easter weekend.
