THE latest AFL North Coast season is set to get underway this weekend with opening round matches in Sawtell, Woolgoolga and Port Macquarie.

The Sawtell/Toormina Saints and Coffs Harbour Breakers begin their season with a local derby at Richardson Park.

The Breakers finished runner’s up last season while the Saints missed playing finals.

Northern Beaches Blues kick off their season with their first game at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga, as they play host to the Byron Bay Magpies who are entering the competition this season.

The Blues will look to bounce back after missing the finals last season.

Port Macquarie Magpies begin their premiership defence at home when they take on the Grafton Tigers, who were knocked out at the preliminary final stage by the Magpies last season.

Northern Beaches Blues women begin their premiership defence at home against the Byron Bay Magpies in Woolgoolga.

The Magpies women also won a premiership last year taking out the QFAW Division 2 South grand final.

The Coffs Harbour Breakers under 18s begin their premiership defence in Sawtell when they take on the Sawtell/Toormina Saints in their grand final rematch at Richardson Park.

This year’s AFL North Coast senior’s competition features six senior men’s teams, six women’s teams, five reserves teams, and four under 18s teams.

AFL North Coast’s junior season gets underway on Sunday, April 30.

By Aiden BURGESS