In a replay of last year's grand final, Rovers go head-to-head with reigning premiers Tigers in the first game of the 2012 AFL Mount Isa season.

After leading for most of the 2011 grand final, Rovers will be aiming to start this season with a win against the team that beat them to the silverware.

Word on the paddock is the proud Rovers are bitterly disappointed about being edged out of the grand final by a fitter Tigers outfit in the final quarter.

Gun on-ball player Matt White is rumoured to have returned to Mount Isa and will be a great inclusion to the 2012 Rovers squad, while veteran Simon Pope will set his sights on frustrating opponents with his skills and scoring ability.

Tigers head coach Craig Brice will head into the new season striving for back-to-back premierships and although the Tigers' pre-season has not been ideal, his troops are ready defend the flag.

Brian Menz has been named as the Tigers captain for the second year.

Menz had a stellar season in 2011 and was rewarded with the coveted Cargill Medal for the competition's best and fairest player.

In the 3pm game, the rejuvenated Buffaloes begin their 30th season of Australian Rules football in Mount Isa when they clash with Young Guns.

Buffaloes will be aiming to break a 17-year premiership drought in 2012, and with a new committee and some strong off-season recruiting, there is a real buzz at the club.

While the club may well be the dark horse in this season's premiership race, it will first need to overcome a youthful Young Guns squad which, in just its third season in AFL Mount Isa competition, guarantees an exciting brand of football every time it takes to the field.

AFL Mount Isa president Maddo Fidler said the 2012 season was shaping up as a big one.

The bounce in the first game between Tigers and Rovers is at 12.30pm.