After conceding the opening three goals of the match, the Lions knuckled down superbly to show they aren’t without a chance of sneaking into the finals.

Recruits Trent Perczyk and Tim Hallinan led the way, while warhorses Brendan Way and Drue Mortlock also played leading roles in the victory.

Nick Finlayson and Kane Shields stood up every time Lockhart threatened to fight its way back into the contest.

Culcairn co-coach Adam Eady said it was pleasing to start the season with a strong performance.

“We didn’t start as well as Lockhart but after about 10 minutes we settled down and our second quarter was really good,” Eady said.

“To go into the half-time break five goals up was a great result.

“There are a few raps on Lockhart to improve this season and we didn’t really know what to expect because they get a lot of their players out of Wagga.

“It’s always good to start round one with a win.

“We probably needed another practice match to get our structures right but we came together really well.”

The victory came at a price for Culcairn with Kaden Slatter suffering a serious shoulder injury.

Lockhart ran the game out strongly but the deficit proved too much for Jesse Margosis, Matt Lewington, Josh Maniscalco and Blake Jones to make up.

Star Demon recruit Jordan Harrington struggled to make an impact after being shadowed by Tim McMahon.

Billabong Crows had the answers against Holbrook, winning by 26 points at Urana.

Although only two goals separated the sides for most of the day, the Crows finished stronger with Luke Kuschert, Nick Morris, Michael O'Riordan and James O’Connell running out the match well.

Myrtleford signing John Simpson held John Spencer to three goals, while Kuschert kept Josh Warren to one.

“The boys were good,” coach Danny Stevens said.

“It’s always a bit of a relief to get an early win on the board.

“It was pretty windy which made scoring difficult but we got there.”

Holbrook onballers Liam Trethowan and Josh Jones played well for the Brookers.

Jindera defeated Howlong by 70 points at Howlong.

The Bulldogs asserted their authority in the second term with recruits Kris Holman, Sam Crawshaw and Kirk Wilson impressing.

Dion Munkara made a strong on debut for Howlong after only arriving on the Border from the Northern Territory days before the match.