Lauderdale’s Mitch Robinson put in a strong performance as a defensive forward for Fagan, who is originally from Queenstown.

After kicking just 3.4 last season as a midfielder tagger, the 27-year-old managed the first two of Saturday’s contest with Rodney Eade’s Suns as the Lions built a 47-point lead before holding on.

He finished with 2.0 from 14 touches, with three tackles, while teammate Ryan Harwood, from Glenorchy, had eight touches in defence.

For the Suns, Hobart’s Aaron Hall brought his strong pre-season form to the real stuff with 25 touches, five marks, four tackles and 2.0, while Launceston’s Kade Kolodjashnij was strong with 21 touches and six marks.

George Town’s Toby Nankervis was outstanding on debut for Richmond on Thursday, having an impact around the ground and in the ruck in the win over Brendon Bolton’s Carlton.

The former Swan won a career-high 27 hit-outs, kicked 2.0 (also a personal best) and also set new records for kicks (seven) and marks (three). He finished with eight touches and also laid three tackles.

Jack Riewoldt, from Clarence, rotated between being a deep forward and pushing up outside the 50.

He kicked 1.1 from 12 touches with five marks and seven tackles to his name, with Sam Rowe watching him when in attack.

North Hobart’s Henry Schade made his Collingwood debut against the Western Bulldogs, spending time on Jake Stringer and Travis Cloke.

He finished with 10 touches and four marks.

Jeremy Howe, from Dodges Ferry, was brilliant for the Pies in defence, with 26 touches, 11 marks and three tackles.

Clarence’s Jimmy Webster had 14 touches and laid two tackles for St Kilda in his first game back after hamstring issues ruined his 2016.

Teammate Maverick Weller, from Burnie, had 15 touches, laid five tackles, took four marks and kicked 0.2 as a defensive forward.

New Bomber Josh Green, from Clarence, had some important touches in Essendon’s win over Hawthorn.

He finished with 11 touches and four marks, while Devonport’s Grant Birchall was solid with 22 possessions at 86 per cent disposal efficiency for the Hawks. 

Ben Brown looked strong in attack for North Melbourne against West Coast, finishing with 2.1 from 11 touches and six marks.

Debutant Mitch Hibberd, of Clarence, collected 10 possessions.

Launceston’s Jackson Thurlow was a late inclusion for Geelong on Sunday, with the win over Fremantle  his first game since round 23, 2015, after last season’s ACL injury.

He collected 10 touches and took two marks, while Burnie’s Lachie Weller had 23 touches and took five marks.