The Panthers overran Melton by 14 points in the standalone season opener – 10.19 (79) to 10.5 (65).

Melton South had not won since round 14 in 2015.

Fevola and his fellow joint coach Sean Triplett described it as the first step.

“The monkey’s off our back,” Triplett said.

While it was all smiles, and some tears, post game, Melton South only managed to shrug off the Bloods in time-on in the last quarter.

Joey Callus kicked a goal off the ground to get the Panthers seven points clear at 23 minutes after the scores had been level twice and then Ben Sortino added another major from 50m to seal the deal.

Although Melton South had by far the greater number of scoring shots, Melton’s better efficiency in front of goal had it 15 points up at half-time and still two goals in front mid-way through the third term.

From that moment on though Melton South dominated possession, adding 6.9 to the Bloods’ 2.1.

The Fevola factor ensured a much bigger than normal crowd and he did not let it down –  kicking all of the Panthers’ opening quarter four goals.

While he added just one more for the day, Fevola was often double-teamed and showed why he is going to be extremely hard to stop.

Sortino impressed in an even ruck battle with Melton’s Mark Maric, while former Essendon player Nick Kommer earned a special mention from Triplett for his hard approach at stoppages and contests.

Full back Adam El Houli was rock solid, especially when Melton was at its most dangerous, with his sure ball-handling a treat in wet conditions.

Ben Archard played an eye-catcher as a target in attack in his first appearance for Melton, finishing with three goals.

Jake Gleeson showed his class through the midfield and Jack Walker constantly found the ball.