On the eve of the 2023 season opening, the Thirds have finally learned their fate for the year, with a volatile and exciting 5th Division of Thirds footy throwing up some enticing matchups.
The Elsternwick quadruple to open the season is confirmed, with the Thirds to be the first side to play officially as Wattle Park AFC when they begin with the early start. Last year saw the Thirds win their opening game against the Wickers, before ceding the victory in the return fixture at Bennettswood.
Four new sides have been introduced in 2023, with neighbours Box Hill North, UHS-VU, and Therry Penola creating a third side, whilst Whitefriars drop down from Division 4.
The latter of the newly-created teams will be at Bennettswood in Round 2, for the first time since 2013 when the two sides shared a Seniors and Reserve division. It will be the longest trip for the Thirds when they head to Fawkner in Round 10 for a 2pm clash.
The closer trip of Box Hill North is one the Animals have not made in a number of years as well, with the surprise side on the fixture forcing a trip to Elgar Park in Round 6.
UHS-VU’s admission sees a fifth successive season trip to the zoo-adjacent oval of Brent Oval for a Wattle Park side, with the Animals hoping to reverse the recent trend of dropping games in Parkville.
Four more quadruple headers feature after Round 1 in 2023, with visits from Whitefriars on Ladies Luncheon Day, Canterbury and Mazenod in successive home games in Rounds 9 and 11, and a return match against UHS-VU in Round 15.
The round before then will see the Animals return to Melbourne High, the scene of arguably their best win in a largely positive 2022 season. The Unicorns will be out for revenge after being stunned on a windy day by the river.
A quirk of the 10-team, 16-round fixture means that only one game will be played against Parkside and Mazenod. Parkside will not travel to Bennettswood for the first time since 2018, whilst the Animals are spared the travel to Central Reserve.