Albion and Sunshine both suffered losses in their return to Western Football League division 1, while Caroline Springs lost a thriller on Saturday.
It was an exciting day for the Cats and Kangaroos, who returned to the top flight after strong seasons in division 2 last season.
The Cats faced a Point Cook Centrals’ side that was able to dig deep to claim the win.
The Sharks managed to get out to a 25 point lead in the third quarter, before the Cats reduced it to two goals at the last break.
They were able to hold on, winning 13.7 (85)-11.12 (78).
Sunshine started its season at home against Parkside in what was a big day for the club. It raised the senior, reserves and under-18 premiership flags from last season.
It was the Magpies that led at quarter time, before a six goal to one second quarter blew open the game.
The Magpies were able to extend the lead in the second half to run away with a 17.9 (111)-8.9 (57).
Mathew Medcraft was the only multiple goalkicker for the Kangaroos with two and was named their best.
Stuart Purves and Charly Williams were others named in the best.
Meanwhile, Caroline Springs and Yarraville Seddon played out another thriller with the Eagles getting over the line.
The Eagles led at every break, including by 36 points at three quarter time as the Lakers failed to convert in front of goal.
The Lakers came home hard in the final quarter, kicking 5.5 to two points but it wasn’t enough as they fell just short, 9.15 (69)-11.6 (72).
Malik Elfakahani and Tate Wood kicked two goals each for the Lakers. Lachlan Mellon, Alipate Bryant and Ben Caluzzi were named their best.
In other division 1 matches, Werribee Districts had a big win against Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing beat Altona and Spotswood got home against Newport.
