BY the way it played on Saturday, you wouldn't have known Dennington trained together with its full team just 48 hours before its season opener.
The Dogs defeated Timboon Demons 62-48, with winning coach Sara Morrison explaining the only time every player was available for the same training was Thursday night.
"It was just a clash of schedules," she said. "Some girls have kids so it was too hard and then some of us played State League."
The 14-goal victory over the expected finals contender proved the limited preparation was enough. It also proved the Dogs will be a force in 2009, despite missing two key players from last year's grand final side - league best and fairest Natalie Inia and Bec McGuire.
Morrison praised her new goals combination Vanessa Hasthorpe and Lana Barling, who netted 29 and 33 goals respectively.
"They had never played together before so we were really happy with how they went," she said.
Dennington jumped out to a nine-goal lead at the first break but a defiant Demons pegged it back to four by half-time.
The Dogs lifted in the last term to extend their three-quarter time lead of six to 14.
"We were expecting a really hard game from them and that's exactly what we got," Morrison said. "It felt a lot closer than what the scoreboard showed. It was important for us to get a win because it gives us a bit of confidence."
A side which lost a bit of confidence after round one was Deakin University.
Reigning premier Merrivale thrashed the Sharks 117-14, with Narelle Welsh shooting a phenomenal 98 goals.
East Warrnambool also enjoyed a big win, eclipsing Old Collegians 64-14.
New Bombers coach Katie Burt put in a stellar debut performance as she finished with 38 goals.
Nirranda and Kolora-Noorat contested the closest match of the round as scores were level when the final whistle went.
The Power were up by three at the main break but down by three at the next change. They outscored the Blues by three goals in the final quarter to see the teams locked on 41 apiece.
Defender Allison Curran worked hard for Kolora-Noorat while Nirranda shooter Nicole Batten was noticeable.
Panmure was too strong for Allansford, winning 56-26. Goal attack Josie Ellerton was a standout for the Bulldogs.
South Rovers rolled Russells Creek with a five-goal victory.