Spurred on by a huge crowd, the Giants controlled play after quarter-time to run-out 15.8 (98) to 3.8 (26) victors.

Coach Myles Aalbers said it was a strong start. 

“It was a great day,” Aalbers said.

“We had a big crowd and you always like to start with a win.

“We rely on our defensive pressure and just base our game on that approach.

“We have had a good month and a half together now and everyone is on the same page which is pleasing.”

Henty managed only three goals for the opening round match, failing to hit the scoreboard in the second and third quarters.

Brian and Oscar Lieschke and Luke Emmerton were solid in defence, while Chris Hutchinson and Ryan Lavery dominated through the midfield.

Nick Turner, Aalbers and Josh Morris posed problems for an undermanned Swampie defence.

Henty went into the clash with a vastly different side to last year's grand final with Tyson Muller, James Ellis and Dylan Hore left to fly the flag.

“I thought our backline in particular was really good,” Aalbers said.

“You couldn’t ask for anything more than keeping Henty to three goals.”

Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock co-coach Jarrod Hillary kicked 10 goals in the Saints’ 75-point win over Lockhart at Lockhart.

Hillary led a potent attack with Kylin Morey and Tyson Bradsworth also effective with six and four goals respectively.

Luke Brauer stood out in the midfield in his 350^th senior match.

“At Lockhart it’s always tough so it was a good win,” Brauer said.

“We have had some tight games up there over the past few years.

“It was a pretty good effort first-up.”

Lockhart came out strongly in the opening 10 minutes but fell away as the support for Shannon Williams, Matt Lewington and Lee Baker dried up.

CDHBU withstood a gallant fight-back from Murray Magpies to win by two points at Coreen.

After trailing by as much as four goals, Corey Lambert’s line-up charged home with Jesse Johnston, Josh Maher, Wade Knights and Ben Clements in the thick of the action.

High-profile recruit Jarrah Maksymow kicked two goals in his return to the club.

Andrew Ollington, Kade Rowe and Russell Anderson played well for the Power.

Adam Houlihan is set to play against Jindera this weekend.