The Magpies, sprinkled with many players who have had State League experience, stamped their authority from the opening bounce, and the outcome was never in doubt.

On the other hand, Burnie was playing with many youngsters who were at senior level for the first time, and it showed as the Dockers had been able to kick just one goal by three-quarter-time before playing their best football in the final term, when they kicked five goals.

Devonport was led by former State League captain Al Clements, who dominated from the backline.

Clements has worked hard over the summer months and is at his fittest and lightest for a couple of seasons.

He had good support from Jake Howard and Quentin Rataj, who picked up plenty of possessions during the afternoon.

Rover Brad Taylor, making a comeback after a couple of years away from the game, showed he had lost none of his tenacity for the football and was one of his team's best.

Another making a return to football was former Tassie Mariner Clint Matthews in the ruck, and Will Huxtable showed the benefit of State League experience by being the team's best forward.

Judging on yesterday, the Magpies will be top-four contenders.