The Noel Mugavin-coached outfit was too good for Wimmera on Tuesday, winning 10.10 (70) to 7.5 (47).

“They were very good in their application,” he said.

“We started with the breeze and had a very strong first quarter and that continued throughout the day.

“You have to make positional changes to give everyone an opportunity to display their wares.”

North Warrnambool Eagles pair Jackson Grundy and Tom Keast controlled Hampden’s midfield.

Key position prospects, Dennington’s Josh Dwyer and Hawks’ Conor Hinkley, held down spots in attacking 50 and Merrivale’s Luke Byrne and South Warrnambool’s Alex Lavithis-Davis were accountable in defence.

Ballarat recorded a thumping 17.10 (112) to 7.3 (45) over South West in its first match. Hampden plays Ballarat on Wednesday.

Players are vying for a spot in North Ballarat Rebels’ V/Line Cup line-up.