Saturday's blockbuster grand final rematch between reigning premiers Churchill and last season's powerhouse HEYFIELD lived up to all expectations early, before the fitness of the Kangaroos reigned supreme in the opening round of North Gippsland Football.

Staging a stunning comeback, the Kangaroos with their backs against the walls kept their best for the second half running rampant, turning a 17 point deficit into a 31 point victory.

Bridesmaids for the past two seasons, the Kangaroos left the Cougars in their wake in the final term booting 6.7 (43) to a mere two behinds. Heyfield's Josh Stubbe booting four of his side's final term majors.

Celebrations started early for Churchill with club President Mick Johnson and Captain Chris Williams unfurled the premiership flag ahead of the big clash. As the premiership flag wafted over proceedings the home side marked their intentions early slotting through the opening goal of the match through Brendan Holt.

Such was the tenacity of both sides and with play concentrated back and forth between the two half backlines in a physical contest it took seven minutes for the first major to be registered, and some minutes later for Heyfield to hit the board for their first. A 50 metre penalty gifting Jack Woodland with his first for the afternoon and providing the Kangaroos with momentum to add another ahead of quarter time.

Little separated the sides in the opening half, Churchill holding the upper hand in the second term with majors to Nic Campbell and Hamish Towns holding the Kangaroos at bay as the sides exchanged blow for blow on the scoreboard.

Despite their best attempts the Kangaroos could only slice seven points off their halftime deficit in an epic premiership term to trail by 10 points at the final change.

In a big final term which belonged to the visitors, the Kangaroos registering six straight majors, the home side was left wanting as the term quickly resembled somewhat of a training drill as last year's bridesmaids dominated the contest.

New recruit Jams Beha proved a wildcard for the Kangaroos, the big man winning the ruck contest against Andrew Brown providing the fleet footed brigade of Woodland, Stubbe and Daniel Stevens with first use of the ball. Brett Hudson was influential in directing the Kangaroos forward structure, recording a number of goal assists in the final term while fellow recruit Ash Duggan booted two second half majors.

Struggling to move the ball past centre half forward the Cougars final term fade out was a disappointing conclusion to what had been an epic contest up until three quarter time.

For the reigning premiers defender Dean DeGroot accounted for several opponents, coach Allan Chandler was the old hand in defence, Dale Patterson held his own in the midfield and Towns finished the contest with three majors.

SALE CITY laid the foundation for its 11.12 (78) to 7.14 (56) win over Rosedale with a five goal to one opening half.

The match was evenly placed at the first change both sides desperation at the ball evident with the Dogs taking a 14 point lead at the break. The visitors chipped away in the second term, the Dogs scoreboard pressure when pushing forward extending the margin to 23 points at the main break.

City's momentum wasn't halted by the long change the visitors adding a further six goals in a stellar second half. Forward livewires Nic Grainger and Jake Milham were the main figures in front of goals setting the impetus for victory creating opportunities and booting two apiece.

Dogs Coach Hayden Burgiel was a valuable contributor leading from the front, new recruit Harry Kaandorp was stellar in his debut his agility in the ruck contest a bonus while Rowan Bell was a dogged performer in the engine room.

Boasting 13 scoring shots in the second half, Rosedale's key forwards squandered opportunities in front of goal their wayward kicking keeping the home side at arm's reach of the contest. For the Blues Craig Bourne led from the front in a best on ground performance.

Gormandale copped the full brunt of TTU at its awesome best as the Bombers unleashed their new recruits and provided spectators with an indication as to just how well the side has evolved in the off season.

The 18 goal trouncing of Gormandale catapulted one of last season's cellar dwellers to the lofty heights of ladder leaders at the conclusion of round one.

The Bomber line-up came to life as they dominated play around the ground in a blistering 25 minutes of play. Led by a chorus of individual goal kickers, Chase Saunders (five), Jacob Albanese (four), Dalton Tripodi and Brian Graham three a piece, the Bombers opening term putting the result out of contention slamming the gate shut on a Tiger challenge.

Hitting the ground hard under new coach Jay Neagle the Bombers slammed on nine goals to one in the first quarter and showed no signs of surrendering, winning 26.19 (175) to 10.6 (66).

Saunders five goal haul was a highlight of his best on ground performance, Bombers midfielder Graham was sublime in his dominance around the contest and when pushing forward, while Hayden Hector ran all day, his solid preseason demonstrating why he will be among the cream of the competition.

The Tigers shared the goals among seven individual goal scorers, with Kapun Morris judged best a field for the home side.

Seven majors from COWWARR's Linden Brunt was among the highlights reel for the Saints who recorded a 40 point victory over Glengarry.

Caught flat footed the Magpies felt the effect of the Saints as they hit the front early and diligently went about extending the margin at each change. The charge on the scoreboard was led by Brunt, while Pat Tainsh and Steve Cooper dominated the contests against their lesser experienced opponents.

The Saints boasted a 16 point buffer at quarter time, one that they would extend to 19 points by the main change before holding the Magpies goalless in the premiership term breaking away to their biggest lead of the contest a seven goal lead.

Glengarry through best on ground Mitch Cummins worked hard to remain in the contest chipping away at the Saints three quarter time buffer to outscore the visitors six goals to three in the final term, but it was the Saints early break that was enough to ensure they collected the four points winning 14.14 (98) to 8.10 (58).

By Lauren Carey