Yarraville Seddon exacted revenge on North Footscray in a season opening 18-point win in the Western Region Football League division 2 grand final re-match at Hansen Reserve on Saturday.
Fresh in the minds of the Eagles’ players would have been last September’s crushing 58-point grand final loss, but it spurred them on to victory as they won a low scoring scrap to make a positive start to the new campaign.
Yarraville Seddon led at every change to run out convincing winners.
Corey Salvador had a major impact for the Eagles with five goals, while Michael Tsaloukis lobbed two and Brandon Lester wrapped up best-afield honours.
It was a dirty day for North Footscray, which could only muster seven goals.
Tyren Montebruno kicked three goals and Jason Butty added two for the Devils, while Brody Vorano was named best on the losing side.
Next up, Yarraville Seddon will reignite an old rivalry with newly promoted Parkside in its home opener at Yarraville Oval.
North Footscray will be on the road for the first time when it visits Manor Lakes.
West Footscray made a flying start to the season with a 63-point win over Newport Power at Shorten Reserve.
Power kicked the only two goals of the first quarter, but only managed two goals thereafter and the Roosters ran away with the game.
Kamtorn Kenny-Jones was superb in attack for West Footscray, kicking four goals, while Leroy Hollingsworth was best-afield.
Hamza Abdo was the pick of the Newport players.
West Footscray will travel to Albanvale on Saturday, while Newport will face new side Point Cook, who crossed from the Victorian Amateur Football Association this season.
Parkside was a massive first-up winner, belting Albanvale by 72 points at Henry Turner Reserve. Brent Kelly kicked six goals in a best-on-ground display.
In division 3, Braybrook had an encouraging start to the season, downing Sunshine Heights by 12 points. Mark Tasiyan managed to boot four crucial goals for the Bombers in a low scoring game.
The Bombers will play in an Anzac Day clash against North Sunshine at Pennell Reserve.
Laverton had a miserable start to the season, going down to North Sunshine by 54 points at Laverton Park Reserve. The Magpies will be looking to bounce back when they visit Tarneit on Saturday.
