THE hype surrounding the Carey Park squad before the season started was totally justified.
If they hadn't convinced you in the pre-season grand final, their 39 point victory over South Bunbury under lights at Hands Oval should.
The two sides were perfectly matched in the first half with an scintillating midfield battle.
But in the second half the Panthers hit overdrive and will blow some weaker sides away with ease.
Carey Park coach John Baggetta did his best to keep up his cool-man persona but it is clear he is looking forward to a big year.
ON the flip side of the Carey Park coin is the Bunbury Bulldogs.
The talent they lost at the end of last season, mostly to the Peel League, had them looking terribly exposed against an optimistic Harvery-Brunswick-Leschenault side on Sunday.
There is no disputing the club have a great batch of youngsters, in particular some of the players who held aloft last year's Colts premiership cup.
It's not all doom and gloom but wins may be few and far between at Payne Park.
I think the preferred term is 'rebuilding'.
WHAT is it about Donnybrook and round one?
For the past three seasons the Dons have comfortably got the job done in the first week of the season.
In 2013 they took home a 15 point win over HBL, one of seven wins the league side claimed that year.
Last year they also got the four premiership points in round one with a 47 point win over Augusta-Margaret River.
The side only claimed one other victory in season 2014 and with it the wooden spoon.
But on Sunday, they mounted a charge over the hill and sung the team song with pride after a 11.17.83 to 8.10.58 victory over Collie.
Next year I want to see Donnybrook play the reigning premiers in round one and a bookie willing to take my bet.
HEARTS that beat true for the red and the blue will be pleased with what they saw on Sunday.
Much like the Hawthorn Hawks many felt last years grand final would elude the Boomers but their class prevailed on the day.
The Boomers scored a good 39 point victory to get their three-peat premiership defence underway.
Having a third new coach in three years and a few key players walk out the door did cast a shadow over the club but as always, Eaton looked the real thing on the field.
Five goals from Chris Atthowe and three from Josh Battaglia set the tone for the win.
If they continue on their merry way, Eaton could be the first to win three consecutive premierships since Donnybrook's dominance of 1998 to 2000.
THERE is a fresh feeling of hope among the Augusta-Margaret River boys.
Scoring the Busselton Toyota Cup first up against a Magpie's side who is expected to finish in the top three was never going to be an easy task.
But the Hawks coaches would have been excited to find their side in-front at three quarter time.
Brodie Bramich impressed with three goals while the defenders stood tall in the first half when it counted.
While the Hawks were run off their feet towards the end of the match, they will hope they can carry their performance into the coming weeks.
