A tense affair at the Hobart Netball Centre culminated in last year's runners-up winning 51-49.

After a slower start, the Hawks found their rhythm thanks to some timely intercepts from Hannah Lenthall and Tessa Coote.

As the defensive units found their groove this seemed to spur the attackers into some smooth ball movement driven by goal shooter Ashlea Mawer.

With the scores tied at quarter-time, Jamie Symons was brought into the centre from wing defence to add extra drive through the court as Lydia Coote changed up the defensive end.

Mawer brought the house down with an on-the-buzzer shot after Symons delivered a centre third bullet to see Hawks take a one-point lead into the main break.

Some relentless defence from Lenthall and Coote prompted multiple changes in the Arrows' attack line while Hawks extended their advantage to 39-35 at the final change.

Patient attacking and calculated risks meant the visitors came away with the chocolates after what turned into a final-quarter tennis match.

Cavaliers' title defence got off to a similarly tight start before Dan Roden's outfit raced away to a 58-40 win over Kingston Blues.

With Estelle Margetts back in Cavs colours and Hayley McDougall and Zoe Claridge making their debuts, the visitors made full use of the rolling subs pushing Mel Philpott and Dea Wadley into the shooting circle in the second quarter.

Kingston stood firm, keeping the scores level at quarter and half-time, before the champions pulled away in the third.

Changes in the defensive end saw Hayley McDougall bring some extra height at goalkeeper as Dana Lester switched to goal defence and Shannae Heazlewood to wing defence.