Horsham's Darcy Tucker told the Mail-Times in the build-up to round one to expect a different Fremantle this season, and their 82 point demolition of North Melbourne suggested just as much.

Tucker starred for the Dockers, playing possibly the best game of his career. Tucker was released into the midfield where he collected a career-high 24 disposals, seven inside 50s and booted two goals.

In addition to finding his own football, Tucker also had a shutdown role on North Melbourne's All Australian midfielder Shaun Higgins. Tucker was able to hold Higgins to 10 first-half possessions as Fremantle's midfield dominated proceedings.

Tucker was named second in Fremantle's best for his efforts. The opening round certainly suggested Tucker could be in for a breakout season with the Dockers in 2019.

Horsham's Jarrod Berry had a similarly excellent performance in Brisbane's upset win against the West Coast Eagles on Saturday night.

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Berry had 25 disposals including four inside-50s and five clearances, as Brisbane proved they are a finals contender this season with a 44 point victory against the reigning premiers. Berry was named second best for the Lions in the win.

Horsham's Seb Ross was also named as St Kilda's best in their tight round one victory against Gold Coast. Ross accumulated 27 disposals as the Saints just escaped with a one-point win.

Jake Lloyd also starred for the Sydney Swans in their round one loss and was named the Swans best.

Lloyd had 35 disposals rebounding off half-back and was instrumental in the Swans last quarter comeback against the Western Bulldogs. The Swans got to within a goal in the last quarter but the Bulldogs kicked the last two goals to run away with a 17 point win.

On the other end of the spectrum, it was a tough opening round loss for the Melbourne Demons and Edenhope's McDonald brothers. 

Tom kicked the first goal of the day but was well-held from there, amassing just eight disposals. Oscar did not see much of the football either with just five possessions, but kept his direct opponent Port Adelaide forward Todd Marshall relatively quiet.

Tom and Oscar will be hoping the Demons bounce back in round two against the Geelong Cats on Saturday night.