Last season’s leading goalkicker Naomi Celebre and midfielder Ebony Barrenger were both carted off in the 22-point win, carrying serious knee and ankle injuries respectively.

But the Blues refused to be affected by the injuries, pegging back the Magpies’ early two-goal lead and kicking six unanswered goals in the second half.

Glenorchy found its feet again late in the final term but the Blues secured a 9.9 (63) to 6.5 (41) win.

Danika Corcoran and Emma Manix-Geeves showed plenty of class up forward in Celebre’s absence, while recruit Camilla Taylor allowed Abbey Green the opportunity to go forward and hit the scoreboard.

Launceston coach Alex Gibbins said he was disappointed to lose two key players early in the season but pleased by his team’s match fitness.

“They’re two pretty big losses to be honest - one of our grunt midfielders and probably our most dangerous small forward, but that’s football,” he said.

“The way we ran out the game was probably the most impressive part.

“Abbey Green in the ruck again was sensational, she was really good and I was really impressed with Dearne Taylor in her first game for the club through the midfield, she really ran the game out well.”

Key-position player Maggie Cuthbertson and Angela Dickson were also among the Blues’ best.