As summer sports such as cricket and tennis draw to a close for another year, with finals either finished or to be played over the next few weeks, many efforts will now focus on the approaching winter sports seasons.

The Dimboola football and netball teams ventured to Jeparit on Saturday to take on the JR Storm in practice games, in preparation for the upcoming season.

In a very close game played out in very warm conditions, the JR Storm finished ahead in the football by only one point in the first competitive hit out for the year for each team.

JR Storm 7 goals - 6 behinds - 48
Dimboola Roos 7 goals - 5 behinds - 47

With both clubs missing some pivotal players and rotating personnel due to the hot conditions, this was a pleasing result which bodes well for both clubs for 2017.

You can view a gallery of photos from this first hit out for the season by clicking here.