VFL
Footscray 14.9 (93) def. by Box Hill Hawks 15.5 (95)
A four-goal-to-one final quarter has seen Box Hill run out two-point winners in the opening round of the VFL as Chris Jones led the way with three goals.
Hawks captain David Mirra led the way across half back for the visitors with a best on ground display amassing 28 touches as Dallas Willsmore gathered 31 touches, had six inside 50s and kicked a goal as the reigning premiers went down.
For Footscray, Caleb Daniel and Mitch Honeychurch were among their best while Stewart Crameri kicked a goal as he seeks to replace Travis Cloke in the AFL side this weekend.
Sandringham 11.12 (78) def. Essendon 10.11 (71)
Darren Minchington starred for Sandringham as they started their 2017 season with a win over Essendon.
Minchington kicked three of his fours goals in the opening half as Sandy jumped out to a 34-point lead at half time. Michington and Koby Stevens had 28 touches apiece for the hosts while Nicholas O'Kearney led all-comers with 31 touches.
Despite a fierce second half comeback, a Heath Hocking-led Bombers side couldn't get over the final hurdle despite some good form from their AFL-listed players. Hocking had 29 touches while Jackson Merrett and Shaun McKernan kicked two goals each in the loss.
Coburg 9.8 (62) def. by Collingwood 9.10 (64)
Collingwood have started their season on a good note, registering a nervy two-point win over Coburg on Saturday.
Jordan De Goey returned from his infamous hand injury and starred with 26 touches and three goals while Lyndon Dunn had 31 disposals and 12 marks. Chris Mayne also impressed as he presses for an AFL recall.
All eyes were on Daniel Wells in his return from injury, and while the midfielder didn't have a massive impact on the match, he didn't look rusty and has certainly put his hand up for selection for ANZAC Day.
Sean Gregory and Nicholas Mellington were among the best for Coburg.
Richmond 33.21 (219) def. North Ballarat 4.7 (31)
Well, what do we say about this one?
Richmond were good. North Ballarat were not.
Anthony Miles collected 35 touches in the rout while Sam Lloyd pushed his case for selection with 27 touches and five goals in the massacre.
Tony Lockyer and Andrew Hooper were two of the best for the Roosters.
Werribee 10.15 (75) def. by Geelong 14.16 (100)
Werribee had a host of North Melbourne players take the field on the weekend but failed to come up with the Easter chocolates as they went down to Geelong at home.
Edward Vickers-Willis was a standout for the home side while Mason Wood made his return to action after a long injury lay off with a strong three-quarter performance. Jed Anderson also made North selectors take note with his pace and run through midfield on full display.
For the Cats, best and fairest winner Tom Atkins picked up from where he left off last season with 23 touches - 15 of which were contested - while gathering seven clearances and laying five tackles.
Pick 43 in last year's draft Esava Ratugolea booted three goals in his debut as Jake Kolojashnij was among the best off half back.
Williamstown 12.11 (83) def. Casey 8.12 (60)
Last season's runner up Casey Demons went down to Williamstown as a goal-less third quarter proved crucial in the loss.
Jack Trengove had 33 touches for the red and blue while Michael Hibberd's achilles injury appears to have come good as he chalked up 25 touches in the loss. Angus Brayshaw was also strong for the Demons while Angus Scott kicked four goals.
For the Seagulls, Adam Marcon was best on ground with 30 disposals as Leigh Masters booted two goals.