REIGNING premiers Hay kicked off their Golden Rivers football season with a strong showing against an improved Murrabit side, to win by 73 points.
After his premiership-season heroics, Declan Watson returned to kick a six-goal haul against the Blues.
Hay turned it up early, to lead by six goals at the long break, before Murrabit were able to regroup and get their new style of play back under control.
Under close attention from Murrabit’s back line, Watson was at his devastating best, pulling down contested marks and showing off his set-shot ability.
Hay coach Mick Cattanach said Watson had looked “really good” in the first hit-out of the year in front of a bumper crowd.
“It’s great to watch when he’s fit and firing,” he said.
“At times last year his body was a little bit of a battle for him, but he was as fresh as anything and on top of the game.
“We had an old-boys’ day out at the club, so we saw a really good crowd there to cheer us on.
“We did the unveiling of the flag, so it was great to have some of the legends from previous premierships back, it was a really good day for us.”
Hay’s strength through the middle of the ground was integral to their forays forward, with Jack Cattanach and Jacob Watson impressing at stoppages.
Cattanach said he was impressed with his side across all lines, but that getting first use of the ball was “huge”.
“We were pretty dominant in the midfield for most of that first half,” he said.
“We got first use of the ball throughout the day, both of our ruckmen, James Moran and Jim Houston, were huge for us.
“Young Jim Houston was exceptional, and with what is practically a brand-new midfield at his feet, they combined really well in their first match.
“Our backs also got the job done well, Murrabit probably broke down a bit around half-forward, which allowed us to rebound from there.”
While the scoreline may not show the evidence, Murrabit were able to work their way back into the game in the second half.
New coach Jack Shannahan scored two goals in his first run for the Blues, as did ex-Lake Boga pair Patrick Bryan and Ryan Harvey.
Another recruit, Austin McKerrow, was impressive through the middle, while the ever-reliable Nathan O’Toole was adjudged their best player.
Ultima’s new recruits standing up new recruits stood up to a tough Moulamein playing style to record a 100-point win at home.
Brodie Bennett and Lincoln Frost took no time to repay the Roos’ faith with four goals each.
Former Lake Boga pair Cameron Johnson and Ricky Wild also announced their arrival with two goals apiece, on top of Ultima’s seven individual goal-kickers.
But it was ruckman Jye Purtill who was named best afield for the Roos, covering the ground and nullifying the impact of dangerous Swans ruckman Heath Moloney.
The new additions allowed Ultima’s midfield dominance to translate to the scoreboard, Tom Bull and Mitch Makepeace providing driving run in the middle and half-back.
Moulamein’s Xander Hartland and Kaylem Hartley were named as some of the Swans better performers in defence.
Andrew May and Rodney Reeves gave spirited efforts as they tried to give their defenders a break and win the ball from the middle.
Macorna opened their account with a six-goal win over Wandella.
Tristan McIntosh and Michael Roberts each kicking three goals, while Hunter Anset impressed with two, a haul replicated by Koby Gibson.
In the Tigers back line, Xavier Wishart was key in a lockdown role, while Toby Whinfield and Travis Mercadante provided strong run and intercept from half-back.
Wandella half-back players Adam Ward and Logan Keighran impressed throughout the day, while Nathan Boysen, John Cooper and Justin Robinson each booted two goals.
