BIRCHIP-Watchem began its North Central Football League season with a percentage-booster against Boort on Saturday.
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The Bulls crushed the Magpies 25.12 (162) to 1.3 (9) to win by 153 points at Boort.
New full-forward Matt Gilmore booted 10 goals in his first outing for the Bulls, while Daniel Castellano also caused the Magpies plenty of headaches in kicking seven.
Gilmore was the best for the Bulls, who kicked 15 goals in the first half and 10 in the second.
Paul Messer (two goals), Sam O’Loughlin and Sam Martin also started the season well for the Bulls.
The loss signalled the start of what looms as a long season for the Magpies after suffering a heavy loss of players from last year.
The Magpies’ sole goal was kicked by Dion Robertson in the first quarter.
Aaron Wilson, Jack Smith and coach Sam Taylor were the best on what was a tough day for Boort.
• The side may not look as potent as years gone by, but four-time defending premier Wedderburn began its title defence with a 51-point win over Charlton in the grand final rematch.
With coach Luke Rosa pulling the boots back on and kicking five goals, the Redbacks won 11.18 (84) to 4.9 (33) against the side they’ve beaten in the past two grand finals.
The Redbacks held the Navy Blues to just one goal in the first half as they led by 30 points at the main break.
Jake Hayes, Cameron Perry, ruckman Brett Strange, recruit Luke Phelan and the returning Jacob DeAraugo led the way for the Redbacks in the win.
Charlton was best served by Luke Kyriakides, Zane Sullivan, Daniel Thiesz and Joseph Mclean.
• St Arnaud led at every change in its 17-point victory at home over Wycheproof-Narraport.
The Saints prevailed 15.10 (100) to 11.17 (83), with the impact of Daniel Needs telling in the result.
Needs slammed home nine goals for the Saints to be the dominant player on the ground.
Recruits Luke Wells and Gavin Vassallo made a strong first impression for the Saints, while coach James McNamee and Matthew Goode also played well.
Recruit Andrew Mead-Harding kicked five of the Demons’ 11 goals to be their best player.
New tall Chris Howgate, Benjamin Brennan and Jesse White were also in the best for the Demons, who were beaten, despite having three more scoring shots.
