But now the chaos and craziness of the lead-up which nearly ended football before it began is over, the Lions returned to normality with a 52-point AFL Riverina Championship win over Turvey Park at Maher Oval on Saturday.

Although the 14.8 (92) to 6.4 (40) win reads comfortable enough on paper, GGGM had to respond to a Bulldogs rally after they got within eight points in the second quarter.

The Lions composed themselves to take a 21-point lead into the main break, and their running game finally broke down the Bulldogs defence with a five-goals-to-one final term.

Charles Sturt University recruit Louis Miller began strongly at his new club with a four-goal haul, while Tom Anderson also bagged three.

"Turvey took it up to us for the first two-and-a-half quarters. We just couldn't open things up, but thankfully toward the end we were able to," Macri said.

"They got within eight points in the second quarter. At halftime I told my boys to play the game plan we want to play with plenty of run and carry. We were able to open them up a couple of times and that got us back on the right path.

"It took a while to get into it early but that can always happen, the first game of the season there's going to be guys who need a run in their legs. There's always going to be some initial frustration but we managed to iron things out pretty well after the first half."

Macri said he was pleased with how his team adjusted on the run when the Bulldogs lifted their intensity.

"When you're challenged it's always good to find a response. It's great the boys were able to fix that themselves out on the ground, instead of making adjustments at a break," he said.

"The way we stuck to how we wanted to play (was pleasing), no one tried anything different. We have a game plan and we need to stick to it.

"I said to the boys after the first half it's July, but it's still round one. Everyone's super keen to do well and the six games (in the regular season) can put some pressure on and heightens everything."

Macri also praised Dan Foley for taking on the challenge of the ruck duties after five-time club best and fairest winner and reigning Riverina League player of the year withdrew due to COVID-19 concerns.

"Some of the older guys really stepped up, Foley really wanted to take the ruck role on with Olsson out and that was pleasing to see," Macri said.

After a frustrating few months Macri said it was a relief for everyone to get the season underway.

GGGM Lions 3.2 5.4 9.5 14.8 (92) def Turvey Park Bulldogs 1.1 2.1 5.2 6.4 (40)

GOALS: GGGM - Louis Miller 4, Thomas Anderson 3, Matthew Hamblin 2, Riley Corbett 2, Samuel McCready, Nicholas Murray, Samuel Terlich; Turvey Park - Bradley Ashcroft 3, William O'Connor, Billy Glanvill, Lachlan Leary.

BEST: GGGM Lions - Aaron Proctor, Matthew Hamblin, Daniel Foley, Louis Miller, Thomas Anderson; Turvey Park - Daniel Leary, Harry Woods, Jack Thompson-Gardener, Lachlan Leary, Alexander Rogers, Brendan Bryce

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