It was a resumption of last year’s proceedings for the Blues, who celebrated the unfurling of last season’s premiership flag in style as they ran out victors by 15 goals, 44-29.
Nathalia held its own in the early going, trailing by only two goals at the first change, but Tongala proved the more consistent side.
The Blues extended their advantage to six by half-time, before a dominant third quarter saw them take an ultimately unassailable 14-goal lead into the final change.
Coach Grace Hammond was impressed with her side’s performance as the first outing of a new season.
“I was really happy with the performance that the girls put out on the court,” she said.
“Obviously it was a very hot day yesterday, so I think that that had an impact on our game a little bit.
“More just our voice which is normally a big asset of our game.
“Definitely had to work hard for the win, Nathalia are going to be a great side once they click with a few of their recruits so it definitely will be another great match-up when we face them again.
“The girls stuck to our structures and the way we play netball and they got the job done.”
The Blues are looking to foster a new goal circle connection, with 19-year-old goal attack Jazmin Clark, the only new addition to the side, now partnering with established goal shooter Milly Brock.
“Still a little bit of work for them to do together, but there was a lot of positives to come out of yesterday's game,” said Hammond.
“(We’re) seeing the stuff that we’ve done at training, particularly with those two, building that connection and working it to the ring for them.
“I think a few more games and they’ll definitely be a massive dynamic duo and there were heaps of positives to come out of the game from the both of them yesterday.”
Gemma Brennan was best on court for Tongala, anchoring the Blues’ defence from goal keeper.
“She was also the best on (court) in the granny so to know that her performance from last year, she’s carried that into this season already, she’s just going to be bigger and better again,” said Hammond.
“She guaranteed the ball for us down in goalkeeper yesterday, and she’s just a defender you can’t look past.”
