Eastlake Demons mauled by Queanbeyan Tigers but happy footy's back

Rival AFL Canberra teams once entered the Queanbeyan Tigers' fortress with apprehension. Now they deem it a privilege.

Win or loss, the return of footy can't be taken for granted. That was the resounding message from Eastlake Demons coach John Harper following AFL Canberra' season-opener on Saturday.

Eastlake suffered a 14.8 (92) to 8.8 (56) loss to Queanbeyan, but Harper wasn't disheartened by their slow start to the season.

He was just happy they were back playing footy after a major delay caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

"We're so privileged to be playing at this point in time and things could change in the coming weeks," Harper said.

"Both clubs went about it in the right manner, Queanbeyan was just the stronger side on the day - they have better structures whereas our guys are still learning things I'm trying to put in place.

"But we're just happy to be back playing footy. Whether we win, lose or draw, we just wanted to have fun. That's the message to our blokes - they embraced that and I'm pleased."

Queanbeyan came out firing and scored six goals to claim a 26-point lead by quarter-time. Eastlake clawed back in the second with four goals and five behinds to loosen the blow, winning the quarter by 2 points.

But the comeback came to no avail as the Tigers dominated the second-half and pushed ahead to claim a 36-point victory.

Rhys Pollack, who's Canberra Demons' NEAFL campaign was brought to a premature end, led Queanbeyan's scoring with three goals, while Tim Clowry, Joshua Bryce and Kel Evans kicked two apiece.

"We were coming back and threatening Queanbeyan but at the end of the day, they just have that little bit more experience," Harper said.

"They've played a lot longer together than our group and looked more conditioned than us, they had a little bit more run in their legs towards the end.

"I don't think the scoreboard reflected that, our blokes probably turned the footy over various times and cost us at the end. That's just footy as far as we're concerned."

Queanbeyan had four players return from the Canberra's NEAFL side, while Alex Smout and Angus Baker joined the Demons.

Eastlake has seven new players in their group but the lack of trial matches meant they had no previous playing experience as a team.

Meanwhile Ainslie Tricolours launched their bid for a fifth consecutive premiership to a slow start, with a 11.15 (81) to 10.6 (66) loss to the Belconnen Magpies.

The Queanbeyan Tigerette's season-opener against Eastlake was abandoned three minutes into the second quarter due to a serious injury to one of the Demons players.

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AFL Canberra opted to play all first round matches at NSW venues due to the ACT-government imposed 100-spectator limit at sporting fields.

Margaret Donoghoe Oval hosted all senior grade matches on Saturday, while Tuggeranong Valley will launch their inaugural season as an amalgamated club against the Gungahlin Jets at Rockley Oval on Sunday.

If restrictions aren't lifted to allow more than 100 people at sporting fields in time for round two, AFL Canberra may consider relocating senior matches across the border again.

Eastlake is scheduled to host Tuggeranong Valley at Football Park on Friday night, but Harper says they're happy to cross the border if need be.

"We'll be guided by the ACT government of course and what the health authorities tell us. At this stage we're assuming we can play but if not, we'll readjust the draw and be back out here next week," Harper said.

"There's some great grounds out here in Queanbeyan, so there's options to play in this format again."

AT A GLANCE

AFL Canberra round one

Men's: QUEANBEYAN TIGERS 14.8.92 bt EASTLAKE DEMONS 8.8.56, BELCONNEN MAGPIES 11.15.81 bt AINSLIE TRICOLOURS 10.6.66

Women's: BELCONNEN MAGPIES 10.11.71 AINSLIE TRICOLOURS 4.1.25, QUEANBEYAN TIGERS v EASTLAKE DEMONS abandoned