The Magpies won 14.5 (89) to 9.13 (67) after jumping the injury-hit visitors early and then holding on in the face of an unsuccessful Burnie comeback.

After the Dockers managed the first goal of the afternoon, Devonport managed the next eight of the contest (the final five of the first term and the first three of the second) to all but end it in that one period of play.

But Burnie played its best football in the third after finding itself 34 points down early on, soon cutting that margin to 16 and the champs looked on their way.

But the Magpies stood up against this significant challenge to go to a 1-1 record for the season, while Burnie fall to 2-1.

Wyatt Kenny was the x-factor in attack for Devonport finishing with a five goal haul, while midfield dynamo Quade Byard was brilliant in the clearances and was his side's best and Billy Sharman's three goals were vital.

Joel O'Donnell (three) and Damon Smith (two) were Burnie's best on the scoreboard, with Luke Russell, Brodie Knight and Josh Gale leading the charge for the Dockers.

Burnie's loss leaves East Devonport as the only undefeated side after the Swan's Good Friday win over Latrobe took it to a 3-0 record.

The split round will continue on Anzac Day when Penguin host Ulverstone at Dial Park.