Neerim South started the new season in fine form, handing a 20-goal defeat to reigning A grade premiers Nilma Darnum in a grand final rematch.
Contenders Trafalgar and Ellinbank also secured strong wins in the opening round, whilst Longwarry signalled improvement with a 30-goal win.
The closest match of the round was that between Poowong and Yarragon, with the young Magpies showing great signs in a one-goal thriller.
Catani, with a mix of regular and new faces, scored a strong win over Nyora upon their return to A grade.
However, it was Neerim South who produced the biggest talking point, making an impression as they seek redemption for last year's decider.
It started from the opening whistle, with the Cats jumping out to an early 5-1 lead. The Bombers, without league best and fairest Stacey Lawry in defence, settled and a goal-for-goal dance followed to see Neerim lead 14-10 at quarter time.
The second quarter was much the same, with neither team able to break away. Neerim led 27-23.
Tall goaler Hayley Purcell wasn't seen in the second half and the Cats took advantage. With seven unanswered goals to end the third quarter, they led 42-31 at the last break.
The Cats, with a new goaling combination and elevated player Ava McGarrity running the centre, looked strong in the 61-41 win.
Trafalgar played newcomers Bunyip for the first time and had the match won by half-time. The final score was 54-32.
Ellinbank had a big 72-29 win over the new-look Buln Buln, with the Eagles looking to bounce back after a disappointing finals campaign last year.
Longwarry, led by new coach Akayla Peterson, showed strong early signs that finals could be within reach, with a 50-20 win over Lang Lang.
At Poowong, the Magpies got out to a 16-9 lead at quarter time before the Panthers hit back to lead 23-22 at half-time. The game continued goal-for-goal, with the Magpies in front at the final whistle, 41-40 in a fantastic game. B grade was also decided by a goal.
Nyora celebrated a return to A grade but Catani proved too strong with a 50-24 win.
Next week's games: Neerim South v Buln Buln; Ellinbank v Bunyip; Trafalgar v Nilma Darnum; Longwarry v Nyora; Lang Lang v Yarragon; and Catani v Poowong.