THE Port Macquarie Magpies have started their premiership defence in dominant fashion with a 19.10 (124) to 6.7 (43) win against the Grafton Tigers, in the opening round of the AFL North Coast season.

The Byron Bay Magpies made a dominant debut in the competition, with a 15.29 (119) to 1.0 (6) win against the Northern Beaches Blues at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga.

The Northern Beaches Blues women got their premiership defence off to a great start with a 11.7 (73) to 1.1 (7) win against the Byron Bay Magpies.

The Coffs Harbour Breakers women won by 8 points against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints in their opening round match at Richardson Park.

Coffs Harbour Breakers under 18s had an 8.8 (56) to 5.1 (31) win against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints, in their grand final rematch at Richardson Park.

The Breakers reserves beat the Saints by 57 points.

The Port Macquarie Magpies reserves and women’s teams also had big wins, beating the Grafton Tigers by 89 points and 71 points respectively.

The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 2 matches in Coffs Harbour, Grafton, and Byron Bay.

Coffs Harbour Breakers host the Port Macquarie Magpies in their grand final rematch at Fitzroy Oval.

The Sawtell/Toormina Saints head north to take on the Byron Bay Magpies, while the Northern Beaches Blues travel to take on the Grafton Tigers.

By Aiden BURGESS