Albury proved it will again be strong competitors by defeating Wangaratta Rovers 41-36 at Albury Sportsground on Saturday.
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The home team rushed out to put four goals on the board early but did not have it all their own way, with the Rovers fighting back to keep themselves in the game.
Former Tallangatta players Karina Cameron, Rebekah Ohlin and Emily Rodd made their debut for the Tigers in style, with Cameron and Ohlin working hard in defence.
Tigers coach Sarah Moore was thrilled to claim the first round win at home.
"You always want to win that first round to know where you're going to sit and who you're going to come up against," Moore said.
"There wasn't so much pressure, but an expectation, being a grand final team from last year, but we've only got three players from last year's core group.
"Bec Ohlin and Karina Cameron in our defence held us together in the end getting some key turnovers.
"Emily (Rodd) physicality wise is still getting used to that, but she's up to the challenge and is a physical player herself.
"They're fitting in really well.
"We've got a lot of team goals that we need to achieve, so we're hoping to achieve that and get into the finals position."
Rovers playing coach Ashlee Martin said the close game was a promising start for her side.
"They're (Albury) fantastic shooters, so to be able to put that pressure on was a fantastic effort by the girls," Martin said.
"We're a different team, so we're still working on combinations and just getting that confidence with each other.
"Caitlyn Cose shot really well today and really set up our attack end.
"Briony (Henderson) in our defence end was really strong.
"It's a promising start and we have a lot to look forward to during the year."
In other matches, Corowa Rutherglen racked up their second win of the season when they defeated Yarrawonga 46-34 at John Foord Oval.
Last year's premiers Wangaratta claimed its first win this season by nine goals against Wodonga Raiders, while North Albury defeated Myrtleford 44-38 at Bunton Park.
Lavington cruised to its second win of the season against Wodonga 58-31 at Martin Park, with Skye Hillier and Laura Hueske starring for the Panthers.
