by Rob Popplestone
Morwell East vs Thorpdale
The Hawks came into round one as warm favourites given both their 2024 form and some strong recruiting and pre-season form, but you can never be sure until you see it rolled out in front of you - and what we saw was not what we expected.
The home side seemed surprisingly clunky and unorganised, not the start or style we had come to expect of the Hawks, Thorpdale comfortable winners in the end 9.8 (62) to 4.9 (33).
Thorpdale coach Daniel Taylor said it was "great to have footy back and was great to walk away with the four points."
"We lost our two key forwards Saturday before the game due to illness and a back spasm in the warm-up, so that made avenues to goal a little tougher. We had full buy-in on effort and pressure and to keep a quality team like Morwell East to only four goals was the most pleasing thing for me," he said.
"I'm rapt for the boys, they've worked pretty hard over the summer so it was great to see them get some reward."
Morwell East coach Paul Henry called it a "disappointing start to the season."
"Thorpy outplayed us all day and we just couldn't get the game on our terms."
Good sides have bad days, but you certainly don't want them to open up your season. Conversely the Blues showed that despite plenty of preseason movement they are still capable of delivering some impressive football.
That reward can be addictive and early season wins are crucial in such an even, competitive competition.
The Blues now have a taste, the question is can they string a few together as they prepare for a MDU side looking to bounce back in round two.
Hill End vs Mirboo North
As much as the year prior had been disappointing for both of these two teams, it was also long forgotten given that a new year brings new opportunity, and for the Rovers the chance to kick off the season with a victory on their home deck is what had the Hillsmen excited from the first bounce.
The Tigers, however, had flagged they were better prepared this season than last and that showed on the final scoreline 10.9 (69) to 5.3 (33).
Damian Turner, Mirboo North coach, said "it's never easy travelling up to Hill End, and they are much improved. They bat deep through the midfield and made us earn everything."
"I was really pleased we stuck at it and our fitness from preseason allowed us to run on top of the ground late in the game and quarters."
The Rovers may not have secured the points, but there were signs that this season will not be a winless one.
Hill End coach Adrian Burns said "we were competitive in the first half, but the Tigers were a little too slick later in the game."
"We were at times undisciplined, but that was our first full game and with more game time and match fitness a win won't be far away."
The Rovers have strong community support and to date have stuck fat with their club, that commitment will be celebrated as the Hillsmen slowly take steps forward.
Newborough vs MDU
Newborough, always tough at the kennel, proved so on the weekend, their 12.9 (81) to 8.7 (55) victory providing a confidence boosting start to the season. Pat Frendo, Newborough coach, said it was a "solid win."
"Co-captain Wade Anderson led from the front and Jack Robinson looked dangerous down forward, unfortunately went down in the third quarter with a knee injury."
MDU coach Rhett Kelly was disappointed.
"We were very reactive all game and couldn't get on the front foot with our ball movement. Our skills really hurt us at important stages of the game. Credit to Newborough who dominated around the stoppages and looked dangerous going forward."
Fish Creek vs Yinnar
There was no better way to start a year than to have the grand finalists of 2024 face off in the season opener.
The Magpies, in an expectedly tough contest, did the job nicely with a 10-point win 11.9 (75) to Fish Creek 9.11 (65).
"Great way to start the season with a win away from home in what was a physical game with plenty of changes in momentum," said Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch.
"Fish Creek were on top early with a number of inside 50s in which we were able to defend well. The most pleasing aspect of our performance was the way we were able to steady late in the game when Fish Creek were coming at us."
Fish Creek coach Jarrad Walker "expected nothing les" than a hard-fought contest.
"Really proud of our boys to stick at it and almost steal it at the end, positives with a few first gamers as well. Some polish and game style proved too strong in the end so credit to Yinnar."
Boolarra vs Stony Creek
Boolarra had been one of those tipped to be a big improver in 2025, their year prior there had been flashes of what could be, but the long season and a lack of depth had slowly worn them down.
The visiting Lions, with a new coach and some savvy recruiting were keen to get a "w" on the board early. In the end it was the home side who were too dangerous, winning 10.4 (64) to 8.13 (61).
The Demons' accuracy coupled with the enthusiasm of some new blood a major factor in the win.
Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said "in a game that ebbed and flowed both sides had opportunities to claim the points but thankfully when the siren sounded we were in front."
The Demons were good and are likely to get better, but it must be said that the Lions had more than their share of chances also.
Stony Creek coach Troy Shepardson said it was a "tight battle against Boolarra on the weekend, we had seven more scoring shots we just couldn't convert in front of goal, with late chances to win, we were on top for most of the day."
Toora vs Tarwin
Two teams that were looking for an improved season knew the importance of a successful start to a new year and both entered round one believing it was their win for the taking.
It was the Sharks in the end securing a successful start to the season 13.12 (90) to Toora's 10.4 (64).
"They pushed us all day like we knew they would," Tarwin coach Lachie Jones said.
Toora coach Jai Acardi said his side "put in a pretty decent performance."
"Unfortunately we were not able to sustain the effort for four full quarters and to Tarwin credit they ran the match out strongly."
Bye: Foster