The 2018 football season will start how 2017 ended, with Athletic and City's derby game at Wembley Park.
Just like how one Rocky film would start off with a montage of the previous instalment, the 2018 Lotto Federation League will begin at Wembley Park today just how 2017 ended – with the two proud local rivals slogging away at each other.
As promised, Big Orange Wanganui City 1sts have accepted promotion after their success as runnersup in the Horizons Premiership, climbing back into a new-look 10-team Federation League and joining 2017's third-placed Wanganui Athletic 1sts.
It means the official start to the season will be a rematch from September's Charity Cup clash, where Athletic and City met for the only time in 2017 and Athletic regained the Cup with a 2-0 win.
After recent years of trials and tribulations, the fact both local clubs had relatively successful travelling campaigns has provided the gift of stability, with the returning coaches in Athletic's Jason King and City's Kelvin Francis retaining most of their core squads, while adding a few more to offset the handful of departures.
Both are eager to build on 2017's momentum and it doesn't get much better than meeting each other first up.
"I spoke to the [Central Football] operations manager over in Palmerston North and said, 'you couldn't have picked a better start'," said King yesterday.
"The start of the season, to have the home derby is easily a great way to open up."
Brought in last year to lift Athletic out of the doldrums, King's good work as chief cook and bottle washer for both Athletic's men's teams has allowed him to build up more of a support network this season.
The very experienced Steve Kerfoot comes on board as the 1sts manager, while Kane Thomas will take the head coach role for the GVCA Wanganui Athletic Reserves in the Premiership.
On top of the likes of leading goalscorer Ryan Holden, Athletic have reinforced with the return of Josh Smith from the now-defunct Team Taranaki, who had already decided to make his move before New Plymouth's Central League side folded just before season kickoff.
Also coming back after a stint with PN Marist in Central League is James Satherly, although his arrival adds a hint of spice to today's derby cauldron given Satherly is a former City man, but has opted for the red jumper in 2018.
"There's now plenty of competition for these spots, everyone's going to get pushed," said King.
"It's a great environment to come into.
"Pretty good pre-season buildup, so fitness we're not too concerned about.
"The mentality's going to be crucial.
"It's not just the game itself, it's looking ahead to the season – making sure everyone's got their heads screwed on properly."
Francis, who had unquestionably the form Premiership side in the first half of 2017 until losing a couple of players to PN Marist, has always allowed his charges to depart with his blessing for the opportunity to climb the ranks.
However, it would be naive to think the likes of Satherly coming home, only to then cross the carpark to that other clubrooms, after being both his former player and a team-mate, has not rankled slightly.
"That's his decision, he's obviously decided they've got something better to offer.
"We know we're in for a tough game, they rolled us last time.
"It's definitely a lip-smacking start to the year."
City will miss the influence of their defender Adrian Ngaau who, after a knee operation has decided to sit out the season, although reserving the right to perhaps make a comeback later in the campaign.
Jordan Joblin-Hall is back, and Francis had success in approaching experienced players Thomas Sinton and James Barnes to come up from local senior football – Barnes needing some gentle persuasion while Sinton was dead keen after a change in weekend work commitments.
Goalkeeper Brent Flight has transferred from the River City club and Cameron Hawker-Guilford is another to return to the fold.
Anthony Bell will be looking to follow up on his 19 goals in 2017.
Team Taranaki's withdrawal had a seismic impact on the competition as 2017 champions Havelock North have moved up to Central League to fill the void, despite losing their qualifying match last year.
Gisborne Thistle are staying closer to home in the Computer Care Pacific Premiership, while City is joined in Federation by 2017 Premiership winners Hokowhitu FC.
Therefore, the travel regime will be less with just home Wembley games and away Palmerston North matches, plus a one-off trip to New Plymouth to meet the Rangers.
The GR Engineering Women's Federation League also kicks off tomorrow, with Football Whanganui on the road to face Massey University FC.