Mernda made a scintillating start to the 2018 season, smashing Panton Hill by 83 points in its opening-round fixture at Cracknell Reserve.
After winning just four matches in a difficult 2017 campaign, the Demons put together a complete four-quarter performance in their first game under returning coach Paul Derrick to romp to a 22.10 (142) to 8.11 (59) win.
Daniel Bryant and Riley Black were standouts for the visitors, kicking 12 goals between them in what was an exciting performance by the forward duo.
Matthew Campbell and Matthew Golledge were also instrumental in the upset result, while Anthony Volpe was fantastic throughout the day, often getting the first ball out of the contest and using the ball well by foot.
Nick and Sam Parks tried hard in a disappointing day for Panton Hill, while Rhys Boyden finished with three majors in his first match since crossing from Greensborough.
Panton Hill made a bright start to the game, with Rhys Boyden and Brent Ryan kicking the opening two goals of the game for the Redbacks to open up an early lead.
But that was as good as it got for the home side, as the Demons responded by kicking seven unanswered goals to lead by 30 points at quarter time.
Alek Tsardakis provided the Redbacks with a little hope of a comeback following the quarter interval – kicking two majors in the opening five minutes of the second quarter to cut the margin back within three goals.
However, the fightback was short-lived for the hosts, with the second quarter again belonging to a slick and skillful Mernda outfit.
The kicked the final four goals for the term to take a 44-point lead into half time, with the scoreboard reading 11.8 (74) to 4.6 (30).
There would be no let-up for the visitors after the main break, with the third quarter proving to be the most uneven term of the match.
Riley Black kicked off the quarter in fantastic style for Mernda with a right-foot banana which sailed straight over the goal umpire’s head.
Mernda booted seven goals for the quarter, with Panton Hill’s only highlight a long-range goal to Tsardakis from just outside the 50m arc for his third goal of the day.
With his side trailing by 79 points at the last change, Rhys Boyden managed two consolation goals in the final term.
While Panton Hill managed three goals for the last term – its best haul for the day – it was still to be outscored by Mernda, who added another four majors.
That included Bryant snapping his seventh goal late in the day, which signaled party time for Demons, who came away 83-point winners.
Mernda will be looking to go 2-0 when it travels to Mill Park Lakes Reserve to take on South Morang in Round 2, while Panton Hill will be hoping to bounce back when it travels to Laurimar Reserve to take on the Power.
Final score: Panton Hill 8.11 (59) def by Mernda 22.10 (142)
