Thomastown kicked off its 2017 season with a strong win against Lalor in Northern Football League division 2.
After both sides struggled and failed to make the finals last, their round-one encounter presented both first chances to assess their progress at under new coaches.
After an even first half, it was the Bears who got the momentum in the third quarter to open up a six-goal lead.
The Bears extended their lead in the last quarter with rain starting to fall for a 16.15 (111)-7.12 (54) win.
For Bears’ coach Ben Chapman it was nice to get round one out of the way.
“There was a nervous anticipation,” he said.
“Teams bring in players who you don’t know much about. We were similar last season to Lalor, and they brought in a few players, too.
“You don’t know how they will gel.”
While the record backs will show a 57-point win, Chapman said the margin flattered the Bears.
“It was a pretty tight game,” he said. “Conditions were a bit tough. There was wind blowing to the far pocket.
“After half-time, we were able to run the ball a bit more and momentum turned our way. We were able to apply scoreboard pressure and were five to six goals up at three-quarter time.
“Most of the players were dead on their feet in the end.”
Jacob Osei-Duro kicked five goals for the winners, with Matthew Dirkx named best on ground.
Chapman was pleased with the performances of the four new boys in the side.
“I’ve been really pleased with Daniel Chadwick, who left and has come back to the club,” he said. “Besides him we only had three new players – Matt Vasilevski, Cameron Dawson and Ali Khail.
“Daniel was good and Matt is a good user of the ball.
“They really added another gear and were able to find space when they have the ball.
“Cam Dawson had a fantastic game. He kicked seven points and had 10 marks. He just couldn’t finish the hard work off.
“Ali is a young fellow playing his first senior game of footy .”
For the Bloods, Shannon Smith and Jhye Baddeley-Kelly kicked two goals each with Jake Langborne named their best.
All division 2 sides have a week off over Easter before resuming the season on April 22, when the Bears will face Watsonia at home.
The Saints had a first-up win in their return to division 2.
In division 1, Bundoora started its season with a 10-point win against Heidelberg.
The Bulls trailed by one point at the last break before kicking five goals to three in the last to win 12.11 (83)-11.7 (73).
Todd Hughes kicked three goals in his debut for the Bulls, with Ben Young best on ground.
Whittlesea also played in a close one, losing to Montmorency 11.13 (79)-11.10 (76).
In division 3, South Morang and Mernda had big wins, while Laurimar and Epping suffered losses.
