Caroline Springs was left kicking itself after its maiden Western Region Football League division 1 appearance.
The newly-promoted Lakers finished with more scoring shots against Albion at Town Centre Oval, but wound up losing by 17 points.
Had the Lakers been able to kick straight, they might have put a little more pressure on the highly-fancied Albion. But their return of just eight goals from 25 scoring shots would cost them in the end.
Albion went into the new campaign with a pep in its step following the appointment of new player-coach Chris O’Keefe.
The Cats led at every change to record a fairly comfortable win, though it was helped by the home side’s inability to convert.
Their own conversion rate was impressive with Paul Cutajar-Milosev leading the way with three goals and Jason Butina and Jacob Green chiming in with two apiece.
The best-on-ground for Albion was Sean Moyle, who capped an impressive display with a goal, while Nick Weightman, Josh Bench and Dylan Sloman were also named in the best.
It was still a memorable day for Caroline Springs, who got to unfurl the division 2 flag it won last year.
Co-captain Jason Degabriele was the Lakers’ most influential with three goals. The Lakers new recruits Doug Thomas, Jayke Ewer and Mitch Bongiovanni found plenty of the ball.
Albion will be looking to maintain the rage in its home opener against Sunshine on Saturday, while Caroline Springs will travel to Wyndham Vale for a night clash.
Sunshine was another side with more scoring shots, only to lose to Spotswood by 14 points.
The Kangaroos led by four points at three-quarter time, but the Woodsmen came home strong with seven goals in the last quarter.
Jesse McInneny and Lachlan Langwell were dangerous in attack for Sunshine with three goals apiece, and Liam Cavanagh was named best.
Meanwhile, the division 3 competition will begin this weekend.
North Sunshine will play host to Sanctuary Lakes at Dempster Park on Saturday.
Sunshine Heights fans will have to travel in round one, having drawn Tarneit in a tough opener.
