THE Muswellbrook Cats kicked off their AFL season with a resounding away win over the Singleton Roosters, notching up a 158-point victory to retain the Nathan Duncan Shield.
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They showed little mercy in the 26.14 (170) to 2.0 (12) demolition, with the opponents' only two goals coming in the last quarter.
It was an impressive start to their 2019 Haval Black Diamond Plate campaign, and co-captain Jordan Solly said it was an encouraging sign given the high turnover they had during the summer break.
"It's been a bit of a disjointed pre-season, we lost 12 players from 2018 and it just wasn't as smooth sailing like it has been in previous years," he explained.
"So, to get out there and have a result like that with so many fresh faces it was really impressive for everyone."
It was difficult to go past Jayden Galvin for best on ground.
He got his season off to a flyer by bagging eight goals.
Although Solly highlighted the performance of second year player James Adams as another huge positive, as he spent his first full game in the midfield and had a significant impact.
After hosting their first home final last season, the Cats are hoping to go even further this year.
And, round one could hardly have been more encouraging for them.
Going around the grounds, Wyong Lakes had a comfortable 54-point victory over Gosford, Terrigal Avoca disposed of Warner Bay by 52, Cardiff held off Maitland to secure a 44-point win, Lake Macquarie received a 71-point hiding from Newcastle City and The Entrance Bateau Bay downed Killarney Vale by 34.
In the 2019 Hunter Haval AFL Hunter Central Coast Women's Competition, Muswellbrook was greatly improved but unfortunately fell short by 15 points to the Singleton Roosters.
Nichola Benkovic was impressive with two majors while Eila Mills was among the best on ground with plenty of touches and a goal.
In the Diamond Plate, Muswellbrook will travel to Gosford next week in the hope of continuing its strong start to the season, while the women's side has the bye.