As hundreds flocked to the ovals once more, Ethan Telford made sure it was a day to remember, slotting eight goals for Shepparton Swans in its under-16 season opener against Wanderers.
The Swans outclassed their opposition from start to finish, bagging four majors in the first quarter to eventually run out 12.12 (84) to 3.9 (27) victors.
A Moama masterclass in NSW beat off the challenge of its cross-town counterpart, with the Magpies rolling Echuca Bombers by a 108-point margin.
At Emmaus Oval, Payten Johnston kicked two vital goals for Shepparton Swans as they got the job done over Shepparton Bears in the Youth Girls division.
She collected six votes, making a nuisance of herself in the forward pocket during the 8.4 (52) to 1.5 (11) result.
There was also a raft of monster score lines in the under-14s.
Anton Calandro and Leeam Scouller combined for 12 goals as Shepparton United kicked off its season with a bang.
The Demons were unplayable, cutting the Echuca Murray Bombers to ribbons in a 159-point thrashing.
In the fruit salad city, a derby went the way of Mooroopna Blue, which prevailed 19.12 (126) to 1.3 (9) over Mooroopna White thanks to six of the best from Benjamin Andrews.
Shepparton Swans threw their weight around to claim points over Shepparton Notre in another local derby.
Splitting the middle sticks on seven occasions was Keelan Phillips, who left with best-on-ground honours for the Swans.
Back at Victoria Park, Echuca Bombers conquered Tatura comfortably, finishing 18.21 (129) to 2.2 (14) winners.
And among the younger grades, Southern Stars Black romped home to an 11-goal beating of Numurkah Blues in the under-12s.
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