Saturday's blockbuster grand final rematch between reigning premiers Glengarry 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.
Glengarry club stalwart Don Duncan started the Magpies premiership celebration unfurling the 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 with lightening speed within the opening minute of the contest.
It was followed by a second unanswered major a strong mark to Josh King saw him open his first of five for the contest.
Play concentrated back and forth between the two half backlines in a physical contest as Heyfield rued missed opportunities in front of goal, before clawing back two majors to trail by two behinds at the first change.
The second term belonged to the visitors, the Kangaroos adding 9.5 (59) to the Magpies 1.1 (7), the home side left wanting as the term quickly resembled somewhat of a training drill as last year's bridesmaids dominated the contest.
The forward combination of Daniel Stubbe, Jesse Jackway, Joel Dinsdale and Kodie Woodland lit up the forward 50 as they proved a headache for defenders Ben Truin, Dean Pearce, Jason Ford and Anthony McMahon.
New recruit Lukas Jenkins proved a wildcard for the Kangaroos, the big man winning the ruck contest against Aaron Winker providing the fleet footed brigade of Jack Woodland, Nic Dinsdale, Dave Kelly and Nic Dowse with first use of the ball. The pace and dogged attack of Heyfield caught the Magpies off guard in the second term as they went into the main change trailing by 50 points.
The premiership term was a more even affair on the scoreboard, the Magpies through Mark Engley and King kept the scoreboard ticking over but could do little to eat into the deficit.
A lapse of concentration in the second term proved the difference with Heyfield running home comprehensive 23.19 (157) to 13.8 (86) victors.
For the visitors Joel Dinsdale was a standout finishing the contest with three majors, Jack Woodland impressed with his pace and skills and Nic Dinsdale accounted for several opponents.
For the Magpies the key forwards in last years grand final Engley and King dominated the Kangaroos backline while defenders Truin and Rowson worked tirelessly to hold their opponents at bay.
New kids on the block YARRAM sent a message to the competition with a dominating performance against TTU.
Boasting 10 individual goal kickers the Demons exploded out of the blocks slamming home six majors in a frantic opening term before registering a further five to leave the Bombers wanting at the long change, 11.6 (72) to 4.4 (28).
Unknown prospects the Demons have the competition on notice with coach Griff Underwood and his brother Ryan leading from the front in an impressive performance.
With their backs up against the wall, adding a mere two behinds in the third term the Bombers led by new recruit Matt Gibb and captain Luke Middleton lifted to turn the game on its head. The visitors dominating the final term leaving little in the tank as they slammed home eight goals to two to draw within 16 points at the siren.
Yarrams Corbin Sutherland was the lead goal scorer for the home side finishing the contest with three majors, with TTU's Tyler Mustoe also booting three.
The new breed of Wildcats stared in WOODSIDE'S win over Boisdale/Briagolong but it was far from one way traffic in a contest of two halves.
The opening term belonged to the Wildcats the visitors starting strong with the Bombers quickly finding themselves trailing by 31 points at the first break.
The contest was quickly turned on its head with the Bombers through Josh Tait (three) and James Cook (three) in front of goals turning the tables on Woodside booting eight goals to one to lead by two kicks.
It became a David and Goliath battle after the long change, the visitors through Justin Staley, Tom Love and Shannon Winmar caused havoc with a barrage of goals after the long break piling on 10 majors for the second half to cruise home 31 point victors.
Staley, Love and Winmar provided headaches for the Bombers defence kicking 10 majors between them in a stellar performance in front of goals, while Matt Scholz and Matt Griffin were solid contributors in a strong team effort.
Cook was a standout, new recruit Matt Lee made an impact in his first match in the red and black, while Regan Tait stood tall.
ROSEDALE laid the foundation for its 23.12 (150) to 13.10 (88) win over Churchill with a six goal to two third quarter.
The match was evenly placed at half time both sides desperation at the ball evident with the Blues taking an 11 point lead at the break.
The visitors exploded out of the blocks in the third term, their solid quarter putting the Cougars 38 points behind at the final change. The Blues momentum wasn't halted by the change Rosedale adding a further eight goals in a stellar final term. Blues powerhouse forward Andrew Flanagan was the main figure in front of goals setting the impetus for victory with an individual haul of eight majors, with Brandon McDonald chipping in with five of his own.
Brad Scott was a valuable contributor for the home side, ball magnet Dale Fleming worked tirelessly around the ground in his first game back at the club while the presence of pacey tall Gerard Barnes also benefited Rosedale.
For the home side Joey Whykes led from the front in a best on ground performance.
Trailing for the majority of the contest, a new look Gormandale proved a handful for SALE CITY.
With the signature still wet on Jake Schubacks contract the Dogs unfurled another star recruit ahead of the contest against the Tigers.
Aiming to hand new coach Hayden Burgiel with a first up win the Dogs found themselves in a tight contest with the Tigers hitting the front in the first quarter.
It was the Tigers new recruits Josh Sandy, Luke McLean and David Schulberg who made their mark early as they proved a challenge for their highly fancied opponents.
The young pups found some bark in the second term to turn a four point deficit into a 14 point lead.
The Dogs did all they could to hold the visitors at bay, but as they had done at will throughout the contest the Tigers again came at the home side to reel the margin back to nine points at the end of the third term. The final margin would be one straight kick in what was an enthralling battle, 12.13 (85) to 11.13 (79).
By Lauren Carey
