The Demons jumped out of the blocks early with a 20-goal-to-four first term, before extending their lead at every change on their way to a 61-21 victory over a new-look Eagles outfit.

Demons playing coach Zoe Heard said it was an ideal start to the season.

“You never know what you’re going to come against, and I was really happy with the girls’ effort,” she said.

“We went into the game reasonably confident with our style of play and knew we’d done the right things during the pre-season.

“We want to capitalise on that win and keep going.

“We’ve got to make sure we keep improving, we can’t get too ahead of ourselves.” 

Heard said Georgia Duncan, 35 goals, and Stephanie Thomson, 26 goals, were impressive for the Dees, as was mid-court player Abbie Avery.

“Abbie has stepped up as captain this year – she ran all day and was outstanding,” she said.

“Both our goalies shot tremendously on the weekend and really stood up tall.”

Heard said she believed the Eagles side – without reigning club best and fairest Sarah Spicer and runner-up Emma Koschitzke – would improve as the season went on.

Briodi McKenzie top-scored for the Eagles with 11 goals, with defenders Penny Fisher and Claire Schulz named the side’s best players.

At Minyip Recreation Reserve, last year’s wooden spooners Minyip-Murtoa showed improvement before going down by 19 goals to Stawell.

The Burras were competitive in periods, but the Warriors proved too strong on the back of 32 goals to shooter Liza Cook in their 52-33 win.

Lisa Fleming and Courtney Gerdtz were named the Warriors’ best, while Lateesha Gascoyne and Laura Delahunty impressed for the Burras.

New recruit Emma Huff scored 21 times for the home side, while Grace Bibby also chipped in with 20 for the visitors. 

Ararat sharp-shooter Megan Shea scored 39 goals as the Rats accounted for Nhill by 28 goals at Alexandra Oval.

The home side won the first three quarters, before the Tigers fought back to win the last term by one goal.

The final result was 58-30, with Kate Bligh and Tiffany Boatman named the Rats’ best, and Charlotte King and Lauren Etherton named the Tigers’ best.

At Dimboola Recreation Reserve, Dimboola recorded its first points of the year with a narrow 50-45 victory over Horsham Saints.

Stephanie Miller, 26 goals, and Billie-Jo Barber, 24, did the damage up forward for the Roos, who turned around a four-goal half-time deficit.

Saints recuit Sharon Fedke scored 19 times, as did last year’s club best and fairest Alaura McRae.