Like they did in the grand final, Workies scored early and from there took control of the game, Issac Farmilo slotting four goals and Ehren Hazell a hat-trick.

Coach Andrew Farmilo also chimed in with a double.

It was an ominous statement from the premiers, who have only lost Tim McKenzie from last year's side, although [Isaac] Farmilo and Hazell won't be available every game.

The cornerstone of their grand final triumph, Workies' initially set the tone through their defence.

"They had a couple chances but we defended those," [Andrew] Farmilo said.

"We then scored pretty much straight away."

The most pleasing aspect of the performance for him was their team-work.

"We mixed positions around a bit, everyone probably played at least three different positions," he said.

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Elaborating on that, he said they play a rotating structure whereby, for example if you're at the back and see an opportunity you take it.

But it means that someone has to cover for you.

He thought they did that well on Sunday.

He was reluctant to single anyone out but did make mention of Lachie Spark making his debut. 

In the earlier game, South United overcame Kiwis 6-3.

Kiwis struck first and it was a tight tussle until midway through the second half.

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"About half-way through the second half we got a bit of a roll on and broke away," Souths keeper James Hindmarsh said.

He said it was a solid start.

"For our first game to get a win was a good result," he said.

"Generally our defence wasn't too bad. Certainly in the first half our backline defended quite well."

Their attack also started to click towards the end of the half.

"Being early in the season we were probably running a bit short of fitness and probably had a couple of lapses in concentration," he said.

Already missing captain Josh Worpel through injury, Kiwis' cause wasn't helped when Alex Taggart was forced off injured.

It left them without their two key defenders.