Plenty of eyes were on Luke Hodge's appearance in the Central Highlands Virtual Football League on Saturday and he didn't disappoint.
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With the clash played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hodge helped lead Learmonth to a memorable victory over Rokewood-Corindhap in a round that saw many upsets across the competition.
Results for the Central Highlands Virtual Football League have been randomly obtained by using Spin The Wheel App. The competition and references to players and coaches are not real. We hope everyone takes it for what it is - a bit of fun!
LEARMONTH v ROKEWOOD-CORINDHAP
There was barely anybody at the ground to witness it, but Luke Hodge's one-off appearance for Learmonth lived up to the hype on Saturday.
Hodge, in his first game since retiring from the AFL in 2019, collected 42 possessions in roles off half back and through the midfield as the Lakies snuck home in a thriller by two points.
The 35-year-old finished the game with ice on a left calf, but got to sing the club song with friends and teammates Matt Jackson, Jake Carmody and Micah Buchanan.
Jackson, who kicked two goals, was chaired off the ground in his 100th appearance for the club.
Despite the defeat, there were good signs for Rokewood-Corindhap, which got plenty from new recruits Dan Colbert and Aaron Gercovich in attack.
Reports: nil
Injuries: Learmonth: Luke Hodge (calf)
BUNGAREE v BUNINYONG
The Demons managed a shock round one victory over Buninyong last season and produced a similar boilover again on Saturday.
The success, set up by five goals from recruit Jacob Werts and a starring display through the midfield by Jackson Murphy, ensured a dream debut for new coach Ryan Waight.
Best for the Bombers on a disappointing day was Jarrod Morgan, who was last week ranked as one of the top 10 players of the decade by The Courier. Tyrone Ross also impressed in his new colours.
Reports: nil
Injuries: nil
CLUNES v CRESWICK
It has been a tough couple of years for Clunes under coach Johno Leoncini, but the Magpies opened 2020 with a bang on Saturday.
Leoncini gave his side a serious rev-up at quarter time and it clearly worked as the home side overturned a deficit to grab the lead by the main break.
It was all one-way traffic after that as Matthew Wrigley and Matt Newton started to dominate around the ground and Mark Paramonov clunked a heap of marks in attack. He finished with four majors in a great display.
For Creswick, coach Ryan Knowles will be disappointed with the drop-off after the first term but will be pleased with the efforts of Brennan Deppeler in his first game back at the club.
Reports: nil
Injuries: Clunes: Lachlan Wrigley (calf). Creswick: Clint Robinson (hamstring).
DAYLESFORD v HEPBURN
Hepburn made light work of arch-rivals Daylesford in a typically fiery spa country derby.
With Jason Olver and Shane Robertson back in charge, the Burras hit the ground running and were never headed in a 54-point thrashing of the Bulldogs.
Hepburn's star recruit Shylo Smith had a debut to remember and was the clear best on ground, while former Geelong footballer Josh Cowan looked in sublime touch in his long-awaited return to Daylesford.
There will be a bit for the tribunal to discuss this week with two reports stemming from the match, while an injury to champion Hepburn player Andy McKay is a worry heading into round two.
Reports: Hepburn: Alan Ware (engaging in rough conduct). Daylesford: Zac Tisdale (engaging in rough conduct).
Injuries: Hepburn: Andy McKay (shoulder).
SKIPTON v GORDON
Ash Munari returned the hero for Gordon in its after-the-siren win over Skipton.
Munari, who was cleared back to the club from Carisbrook this season, kicked his sixth major of the day to break Emus hearts.
The Eagles had trailed all day and by four points before Munari marked deep in the forward pocket. He made no mistake after the siren had sounded and lifted the Eagles to a memorable triumph.
Mark and Luke Gunnell were great in respective roles in defence and in the ruck for Gordon.
Skipton's Mitch Bruns left the field early with soft tissue concerns and looks in serious doubt for next week's clash with Dunnstown.
The Emus were best served by Andrew Pitson and recruit Daniel Kilpatrick.
Reports: nil
Injuries: Skipton: Mitch Bruns (hamstring)
SPRINGBANK v NEWLYN
Newlyn forward Marcus Darmody didn't waste any time getting back into the swing of things on Saturday.
Darmody, who booted over 100 goals in 2019, booted 12 as Newlyn crushed Springbank by 59 points at Wallace.
It was somewhat of a shock result given the powerful recruiting the Tigers had done in the off-season. Of those new faces, Andrew Challis shone while Chris Quinlan collected more than 30 touches in his return to the club.
Defender Scott Carey pulled up sore for the Cats, which were under the leadership of Chris Banwell for the first time.
Reports: nil
Injuries: Newlyn: Scott Carey (foot)
WAUBRA v DUNNSTOWN
A hamstring injury to James Lukich in the opening seconds of the season proved an indicator of what was to come for reigning premiers Waubra on Saturday.
With Lukich out of the game, the Towners got the better of the Roos over four hard-fought terms to emerge nine-point winners.
It was a great start to life in charge for new Dunnstown coach Glenn Wilkins, who got the best out of Josh Renga and Matthew Bulluss.
Austin Murphy bobbed up for a couple of trademark goals for the Roos, but he was really the only spark in a side that looked to be carrying the signs of a major premiership hangover.
Reports: nil
Injuries: Waubra: James Lukich (hamstring). Dunnstown: Daniel Harbour (dislocated finger).
CARNGHAM-LINTON v BEAUFORT
Clayton Scoble has worked wonders in his first game as coach of Carngham-Linton.
The Saints produced a massive upset victory over the Crows, which struggled to contain Dean O'Brien in the middle and Brodie Doolan in attack.
The Crows, which lost a host of key players during the off-season, were led by Geoff Taylor Medal winner Rupert Sangster and Adrian Beer through the centre.
Reports: Beaufort: Jacob Garvey (tripping).
Injuries: nil