The defending premiers were forced to dig deep to overcome Griffith 4.2 (26) to 2.0 (12) in Friday's grand final re-match at Griffith Ex-Services Club.

CSU led by just two points at the final change but a three-goals-to-one last term, including two goals from Kahli Abbott, sealed the win.

North Wagga has begun their inaugural season with two big wins after Friday's 10.16 (76) to 0.0 (0) thrashing of an understrength Brookdale, who could only field 15 players, while East Wagga Kooringal won their first match over Narrandera 11.6 (72) to 0.1 (1).

"Kahli's a seasoned player and really dominated the last quarter to get us over the line," Goldsworthy said.

"A lot of our forward line are new players and hadn't played a game before so they'll work out when to lead and things like that over time.

"We're still waiting for a few players to come back but it was a good hit out."

Goldsworthy said the Hawks and Saints have both recruited well, and expects them to only improve further before the finals series begins.

"They've started off really strong and the players they've got on board are quite talented netballers, or from other sports," she said.

"They've got some good coaches that are maximising their potential and they're only going to get better.

"That's really exciting for us and the league. Unfortunately we don't play North Wagga during the regular season but we play East Wagga this week, it will be good to see how are."

Jessica Wild booted four goals and Merrae Argus three in the Hawks' big win, with Tegan Rooke, Ashlee Fennell and Alexandra Read among their best.

RESULTS

Charles Sturt University 4.2 (26) def Griffith Swans 2.0 (12)

Goals - CSU: Kahli Abbott 2, Chloe Hinde, Kelsey Hanlon.

East Wagga Kooringal 11.6 (72) def Narrandera 0.1 (1)

Goals - Jessica Wild 4, Merrae Argus 3, Ashlee Fennell, Taylah Lees, Ella Finemore, Hannah Finemore.

Best - East Wagga Kooringal: Tegan Rooke, Ashlee Fennell, Alexandra Read, Hannah Finemore, Ella Finemore; Narrandera: Daneka Hatty, Charlotte Paterson, Jacinta Smith, Samantha Irons, Lucy Litchfield, Julie McLean

North Wagga 10.6 (76) def Brookdale 0.0 (0)

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