OPENING DAY REPORT FOR DIVISION 1-4

When you have missed footy for six months a win on the opening day of the season is just about the best feeling in football outside of finals. Sadly for half the teams today, an loss can feel like the worst loss the club could possibly have. All that pre-season training, just thrown back in your face. 
Ballarat saw the Division 1 opener and NOB-St Pat’s didn’t disappoint the home supporters who gathered at St Patrick’s College. They comfortably accounted for Prahran Assumption by 56 points. Ryan booted five goals for the home team. 
Whitefriars got their season off to the best possible start with a four goal win over the visiting MHSOB, Daou kicked four goals in the win. 
Therry Penola and the Bannister brothers left off where they started last year with another big win and another bag of goals for Corey (10) and Jarrod (6). This time Old Geelong were the victims as the Lions unfurled their two Division 2 premiership flags and celebrated with an 83 point win. 
Old Mentonians and Williamstown CYMS opened the season last year with a thriller and they did the same again today. Willy prevailed by 4 points at home to set the wheels in motion for their season. 
Bulleen Templestowe secured the four points against the promoted Yarra Valley, the Bullants triumphing by 27 points to round out Division 1. 

In Division 2 the Kew and Elsternwick reacquainted themselves from their Division 3 Grand Final last year and again it was the Bears on the winning side. Andrew Brazzale’s 6 goals helped Kew to a resounding 71 point win, Thornton bagged four goals for the Wicks. 
Old Eltham reminded everyone they will again be contenders in Division 2 with a 67 point win over the visiting Monash Gryphons, Ciavola booting five for the Turtles. 
Ivanhoe got their season off to the best possible start with a hard fought away win at the relegated Glen Eira. The Saints still searching for a first win since 2012 after going down by 11 points. 
If old Eltham sent a reminder about their intentions then St Mary’s Salesian made a statement in their first match under Jess Sinclair. The Saints dismantled Old Paradians at the Garvey Oval by 107 points. A ten goal to one final quarter leaving St Mary’s Salesian on top of the ladder tonight. 
St John’s were a good side last year and they have improved again this year, today they defeated South Melbourne Districts by 68 points. Scott booted five goals for the Jocs and Lane also booted five goals for the vanquished Bloods. 

In Division 3, Northern Blues were scarily good as they tore up Sportscover Arena against Albert Park. The Falcons were hosting their home game at headquarters but might have preferred to be in the kitty litter from the Grand Prix at Albert Park as they the rampant Division 4 premiers won by 91 points. King kicked 8 goals in the win for Blues. 
The other promoted Division 4 side, Eley Park Sharks were too good for South Mornington on the peninsula. The Shark’s Bahnsen bagged six goals in the 74 point win. The Russell Barnes led Aquinas got off to a winning start, defeating Emmaus St Leos by 10 points. Williams kicked six for the victors. The closest match of the day was at Kevin Bartlett Reserve where Richmond Central hung on to defeat St Francis Xavier by two points. Spencer kicked six goals in a losing side whilst Fahey had four for the Snakes. 
Kennedy kicked five as Swinburne University were too good for Power House. Swinburne Uni winning by 58 points. 
UHS-VU defeated a gallant La Trobe Uni by 20 points. McMeel’s five goals for La Trobe outdone by Kirk’s six for the zookeepers. 

In Division 4 Ken Schwab discovered what a challenge it will be coaching Chadstone. The Synners went down by the biggest margin of the day to a rampant West Brunswick by 169 points. Benjamin kicked 6 goals, Tisdale 5 as the Magpies showed their intent in Division 4. 
Point Cook were 35 points too good for Dragons at home. 
The two new teams of the VAFA, Canterbury hosted Westbourne Grammarians and it was the home side that got over the line in a come from behind win by 14 points. Manningham Cobras got their year off to a fantastic start by defeating North Brunswick by 49 points. 
In the final game Hawthorn bounced back from a horrid finals series last year to record an opening day win by 75 point win over the visiting Box Hill North. Last season’s Meehan Medallist David Tremewen brilliant for the Hawks with seven goals.