The Maitland Saints women have sent a huge message out to their rivals by beating reigning premiers Newcastle City in the opening round of the AFL Hunter Central Coast season.
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The Saints pushed City in last year's semi-finals and showed they are ready to challenge for the title this year with a 4.6-30 to 3.6-24 win.
The Saints senior men also showed that 2019 should hold much brighter prospects matching Black Diamond Cup premiers Newcastle for three quarters.
A third term blitz by the Blues proved the difference with Newcastle running out 50 point winners posting 14.12-96 to 7.4-46.
The Saints found a new target up forward with former Northern Territory teenager Jai Rory kicking five goals up front. Walter Pankhurst kicked the other two goals.
Maitland was best served by Rory along with Sam Jordan, former NEAFL and VFL midfielder Stephen Doran, centre half-forward Pat McMahon, Dylan Bennett and Colin Carroll.
The games were part of a huge gala day at theCentral Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex.
It became a happy hunting ground for the Saints women, who gathered in the change rooms after the game for the loudest rendition of the team song yet after beating the powerful Blues.
Little separated the two teams throughout the day and the scores were locked at 3.4-22 at the final break.
Maitland's defence held strong restricting City to just two points while their forwards were able to add a major and two behinds.
Jessie Burnham led the scoring with two goals and Sarah Burns and Nikki Robson kicked one each.
Robson was only shaded by Sarah James in best on ground honours. Hannah Centra, Stevi Bishop, Anna Fraser and Ashlee Fennell also had fine games in the Saints biggest win to date.
The Black Diamond Plate reserves competition kicks off this weekend.
The Saints men's start to the season gets no easier with Maitland facing 2018 preliminary finalists Cardiff Hawks this Saturday at the official opening of the Hawks new home ground at the Pasterfield Sports Complex.
The main game is at 2pm, with reserve grade starting at noon.
The Saints women taken on AFLHCC Women's newcomers Port Stephens Power at Ferodale Park on Saturday, from noon.
Maitland's first home games are in round five on Saturday, May 4.
The senior men play Killarney Vale and women Lake Macquarie.
