The talk of a premiership hangover was quickly erased, and in no time star full-forward Lee Cox had kicked four goals.

As the game progressed, the opposition tried to flood Cox's space but his aerial ability enabled him to finish the day with 11 goals.

With seven new faces in the premiership line-up the side looks to have gelled quickly. Sam Conroy controlled the centre bounces and the combination of Conroy and Alec Cimera was deadly, as Cimera pounced on many of Conroy's good tap work.

Although the scoreboard looked lopsided, the backline had plenty of work to do.

Brendan Shepherd was coming off a huge pre-season and was awesome with his strength. He combined well with his nimble teammates, Ware, Byers and Stanley.

Dan O'Halloran looks to have gone up another gear this year. His reading of the play was uncanny, as was the man supporters love to watch, Andy McKay.

Playing a completely different role, McKay roamed all over the ground picking up kicks at will.

Shane Robertson would have been pleased with10 goal-kickers for the match, as a number of mid-fielders got in on the act.

The James brothers returned from Darwin looking fitter than ever, finishing with four goals between them.

Next Sunday, Hepburn travels to Beaufort, having the Saturday off because of Anzac Day.

Beaufort is the league's big improver, so it should be an exciting match.

Final scores: Hepburn 27.15.177 def Clunes 9.5.59. Goals: L. Cox 11, J. James 4, T. Johnson 2, A. McKay 2, D. O'Halloran 2, M. Peake 2, C. Leehane 1, S. Conroy 1, P. Dillon 1, M. Stanley 1. Best. D. O'Halloran, L. Cox, A. McKay, B. Shepherd, N. Purtell, M. Peake.