There was no bigger winner than Nagambie, though, with the Lakers firing out to a mammoth 26.26 (182) to 2.2 (14) victory over Violet Town at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, ensuring Anthony Haysom’s latest tenure as senior coach got off to the best possible start.
A few injury ravaged seasons had seen powerhouse Nagambie fall short of its own lofty ambitions, but the Lakers are out for redemption this season, and sit pretty atop the ladder at the end of round one following the 168-point drubbing.
Despite the scoreline it was a relatively slow start to proceedings for the home side, kicking inaccurately in front of goal to record 4.7 in the first term to lead the Towners 31 to 1.1 (7) at the first break.
The goals came more frequently, if only marginally more accurately, in the second term, however, as the Lakers piled on the scoreboard pressure, keeping Violet Town scoreless for the term while adding 7.6 of their own to extend the margin out to 72 points as they entered the rooms at half time.
It was another miserable period for the visitors in the third term, as they were kept scoreless yet again while the Lakers repeated the dose of 7.6 as the margin ballooned dangerously beyond 100, leading by 120 heading into the final term, and the Lakers had saved the best for last.
While Violet Town managed to double its score in the final term to finish with 2.2 (14) for the contest, the home side had the scoreboard operator working overtime as they managed a whopping 8.7 for the final quarter, the final tally of individual goalkickers reaching 12, compounding the Towners’ pain as they romped to a huge first up win.
The return of Jonathan Moore was certainly appreciated by the Lakers, with the big man booting three goals and named best on ground in his first game back after a season in the Goulburn Valley League with Shepparton Swans, while Tom Barnes was the chief destroyer up forward, booting nine majors in a fine display.
Luke Duffy (one goal) impressed in his first outing for the club, named among the best, while Will Dalton (two goals), Tyson Chapman and Ryan Coll (one goal) rounded out the most influential.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Murchison-Toolamba kicked off its premiership defence in fine fashion, defeating Merrigum 27.13 (175) to 10.2 (62), Shepparton East made a winning start with a 76-point victory over Tallygaroopna, prevailing 17.16 (118) to 6.6 (42), while Longwood was too good for Undera in a 21.11 (137) to 13.9 (87) victory.
Sunday afternoon saw Stanhope claim a strong 16.10 (106) to 9.12 (66) victory over Rushworth, while Girgarre and Rushworth faced off at Girgarre Recreation Reserve, with the Wombats recording a 16.15 (111) to 3.8 (26) win.
