Standing out on a cold field, the wind finding every crack in your cloth armour as you watch family members either shine brilliantly, or slide into a murky puddle.

Then there's the post game breakdown of the match, either over a warm drink or one slightly cooler.

The first of July marks the beginning of the post-pandemic footy season and both Blayney and Millthorpe will be competing in the Orange District Football Association competition.

Blayney's first match will be in the C Grade this Saturday against the Waratah's Dad's Army at the Blayney Showground with the ball being struck for the first time at 1.30pm.

It's bound to be a display of guts and glory as the joints get a harder work out than they have ever before.

Just fifteen minutes later in the A-Grade the Millthorpe Tigers will be strapping on the boots and tucking in the shin guards as they line up against the Cowra Eagles at Redmond Oval at 1.30pm.

Team manger Nic Smith said that the side was a blend of A grade and C grade players, but would certainly put up a fight on Saturday.

"We lost about four of our A grade players but the replacements are just as capable so we've got enough numbers to field a competitive team," he said.

"Waratah's are going to be strong again this year because they won't be fielding a Western Premier League team this year."

Top quality football can be expected at all the venues and that will certainly be the case when the Blayney B grade side trots out on the Blayney Showground oval at 3.15 on Saturday afternoon.

The B grade will come up against another Waratah's side, the Wanderers.

It's going to be a crowded winter of soccer too with two double header weekends, that's a game on Saturday and Sunday, that will really test the fitness, flexibility and friendliness of all the grades.

The only junior match in our shire is the Millthorpe under 12's against Molong Falcons at 10.10am on Saturday at Jack Brabham.