Warragul United started its State League One campaign with a bang on Saturday, producing a record breaking scoreline of 10-0 over Mazenod FC.
A hapless Mazenod outfit didn't know what had hit them as United ran rampant, pouring in six goals before half-time.
It was a beautiful autumn day for football at Warragul's stunning new synthetic facility. The recently laid all-weather surface lifted the already high standard of competition, making for a magnificent spectacle standing atop the famous Baxter Park hill on a Saturday afternoon.
United lined up with a gifted yet altered line-up from recent practice matches. The senior list's depth was tested for round one as COVID, wedding season and injury all played a role in some key player absences.
Liam Andersen, coming back from a knee injury, was declared fit to take the field as goalkeeper.
Nick Modaffari returned to the club following a lengthy stint in the national premier league and lined up in central defence with stalwart Matt Gauci, whilst Mitch Jones and newcomer Riley Hamilton started as left and right fullbacks.
The diamond midfield four consisted of Thomas Ahmadzai in the holding role, skipper Nathan Lugton at the point position and Baley Row and Matt Maselli across the middle.
Bryson Tanti and Daniel Edey, who also returns to the club for 2022, started up front.
The day started badly for Warragul's opponents as their keeper was sent off after 15 minutes for a scathing challenge on Tanti who was sent bursting through on goal. The clumsy tackle ended the day for the goalkeeper, who was shown an instant red by the referee, and also Tanti who was taken straight to hospital with a suspected broken ankle.
Once Mazenod were down to only 10 men, United capitalised and completely annihilated them.
Modaffari made a dream debut by scoring the opener after surging forward from the backline.
Matt Maselli and Baley Row then promptly added one apiece and Germaine Otieno, who was introduced for the injured Tanti, scored a brace before half-time.
A shattered Mazenod, almost reluctantly it seemed, trudged out for the second term. They'd made an incredible four half-time substitutions in an attempt to stem the tide. Down by six, they knew what was coming as Warragul continued to cut them apart.
It was Otieno's day as he scored his third to complete his first Warragul hat-trick and then chipped in for another instinctive finish to make it four for him and eight for his team.
New young talent Jobie Heusmann was introduced for his senior debut for Matt Gauci, who'd had quality minutes back in the legs, at the 60 minute mark. A double substitution 15 minutes later brought in young Myles Luders and returning club veteran and former senior best and fairest winner Danny Dunne to join the procession.
Captain Lugton punished Mazenod for another to make it nine before Mitch Jones, who was pushed forward to run amuck, gathered a record breaking 10th.
In a momentous day for the club, United pouring in 14 goals with none against after the reserves team started the round with an impressive 4-0 victory. Samuel Gatpan, Hamish Dastey, Connor O'Dea and new signing Liam Antonelli scored the goals.
Next week will see reality resume when United host state league giants Mornington in a tough fixture. Lock this one in for next Saturday's entertainment. You will not be disappointed.