The St Bedes Mentone Tigers showed why they go into season 2016 as VAFA Premier B premiership favourites, dominating Fitzroy in round 1 to win 18.27.135 to 7.8.50 at the Brindisi St Oval.

The season started dreadfully for last years GT Moore Medallist, co-captain Rory Angiolella, who was injured in the first quarter and had to sit out the rest of the game. By the final quarter, he was joined by Jack Dalton, leaving Fitzroy two short for the final stages of the match.

The first quarter was topsy turvy with Fitzroy coming out strongly and scoring first, thanks to Sam Baker, and leading 3.3.21 to 2.5.17 at quarter time.

From then on it was one way traffic, led by Ben Dance and Mitch Coen, who kicked four goals.

Fitzroy co-captain Daniel Bisetto put on a dominant aerial display from limited opportunities, with 13 marks and two goals, and was clearly the standout player for Fitzroy as recognised by the opposition coaching team after the game. He also played in the ruck, in the absence of Matthew Gaite, who should be back on deck this week. Tom Cheshire and Sam Baker also battled hard all day.

In the Reserves, a very tight and competitive game went the home teams way in the end, 12.17.89 to 11.7.73, despite a spirited final quarter effort from Fitzroy.

Before last weeks game, co-coach Michael Pickering, spoke to the Leader newspaper to give them an outline of Fitzroys plans for the year. You can read the story here.

Phil Hill in the Footy Almanac also gave his thoughts on the game, having seen the final quarter.

It will be back to the drawing board for new co-coach Nick Mitchell, who will demand a stronger, harder effort next week when Fitzroy takes on Premier B new boys, Old Haileybury at home.

The coaches will also be speaking at the pre-game lunch on Saturday.