It is hard to have a premiership hangover when 15 players did not feature in the side which clinched the flag.
Such was the case at Nathalia Recreation Reserve on Friday when reigning Murray Football League premier Nathalia was soundly defeated 16.13 (109) to 8.5 (53) by a similarly unrecognisable Tongala.
The Purples fielded just six of their premiership players, while the Blues had 16 different faces from their round 20, 2012 side.
One of those new Tongala faces was Cheltenham signing Matt Andrews, who booted six goals in a best-on-ground display.
The visitors started positively to set up a 15-point lead at quarter-time, before a dominant second quarter saw the side kick 6.5, while keeping Nathalia scoreless.
The Purples responded in the third term to win the quarter by four points, but the damage had already been done as the Blues ran away in the final quarter to win by 56 points.
Billabong Crows recruit Nick Mellington provided another strong option up forward to make his mark on the league, while Jordan Souter managed three.
Shannon Tucker, Luke McGill and James Nanopoulos each kicked a major and James Lovinson’s performance gave Blues fans plenty to look forward to.
Nathalia’s Brodie Ross, who kicked 26 goals last season, was his team’s only multiple goal-kicker with four.
He and fellow premiership players Nathan Ryan and Alistair Corry were solid for the home side.
Tongala will host its first match of the season on Saturday when it plays last year’s wooden spooner Tocumwal.
■ Tongala reserves started its season in style when it defeated Nathalia 10.12 (72) to 6.4 (40).
Mark Reid kicked three goals for the Blues, while Andrew Reid and Matt Hughes each booted two.
Sam Lovison was best afield, followed by Ash Hughes, Sam Tyler and Liam Brennan.
