MILDURA opened their campaign with a 28-goal win against co-tenant Imperials at Brian Weightman Oval on Saturday.
Last year’s grand finalists were best served by Milli Seward and 51-year-old Sharon Watson, who was making her playing return from a stint as top-grade coach.
Dees coach Ellie Vincent said her team clicked by the end of the second quarter after a slow start.
“It took a little bit of time to find out our feet, which you expect in round 1. But we gelled well in the second half,” she said.
“And it was so exciting to see Sharon back on the court.
“She’s as fit as anyone. Her presence, direction and knowledge on the court will be huge for our team this year.”
It was Imps’ second loss in a row to open their season, after they fell to Robinvale Euston a week earlier.
Imps were best served by Maggie Monaghan and Shelby Armstrong against the Dees.
