A BIG rivalry between two top Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 clubs and star midfielders on display created great anticipation even before the ball had been bounced.
The Magpies showed they were up and about with immense pressure early, leading to a turnover by the Fog and a cracking goal to start the encounter.
New Magpie Anthony Carrio took advantage of an intercept and quickly countered with a goal, giving Roxburgh Park a 13-point lead at quarter time.
With size a factor for both teams, physicality was aplenty and it created a body bruising encounter.
The Magpies lost contested-ball specialist Loui Oppedisano to Moonee Valley over the summer.
He quickly found out how his old club felt about his departure.
But he held his own, still being able to get plenty of the ball.
Mooney Valley coach Peter Gleisner rallied his side to get behind Oppedisano in the huddle.
It was an affair which was goal-for-goal and both teams seemed eager for the ball, with big hits and tackles from players across the board becoming a prominent feature.
Roxburgh Park captain Harley Short amassed a large tackle count and burst out of many packs with the footy, spurring his fellow Magpies.
This contrasted well with Fog captain Ned Wilson, who racked up many contested possessions.
In the second half Lachie Cameron was starting to have an impact around goal for Moonee Valley.
The leaping ability and follow up work from Roxburgh Park ruckman Ryan Micallef and run off half back, along with tackling pressure when forward from Carlos Ardon, also produced many highlights.
A decent lead was almost impossible to gain for either side as the third quarter ended with Moonee Valley up by four points.
Roxburgh Park simply couldn't make amends on the scoreboard, missing many set shots in the final 10 minutes.
A clutch goal from Braden Padmore with under six minutes to play gave Moonee Valley back the lead.
Then it was the Fog’s defence that held firm through to the final siren for a thrilling season-opening win.
MOONEE VALLEY - 8.13-61
Goal Kickers: A. Ciancio 2, L. Cameron, T. Gleisner, S. Taylor, B. Padmore, J. Edwards, R. Potter
Best Players: L. Camron, N. Wilson, B. Padmore, L. Oppedisano, A. Ciancio, J. Edwards
ROXBURGH PARK - 8.12-60
Goal Kickers: R. Tarczon 2, A. Verga, R. Kannegiesser, J. Busuttil-Poskitt, R. Micallef, J. Grant, H. Farrelly
Best Players: H. Short, B. White, C. Ardon, S. Potter, J. Busuttil-Poskitt, R. Tarczon
