Roopena easily out played last years premiers Centrals Friday evening at Bennett Oval.
Roopena, with a dominant mid-field lead by last year's Whyalla News medalist Fiebig and a miserly defence which restricted the Reds to only four goals for the game, were just too good all night.
Umpires Hellowell and Clayton were in charge, conditions were great for football.
Both clubs had players out Page, Collison, Carter, Symes, Purl, Babiak for Central, Roopena were without the services of Williams, Hannemann, Brereton and Wait.
The first quarter was a sloppy affair both sides making many mistakes under the relentless pressure that was applied by both sides.
It was not until the nine minute mark when Fiebig broke clear to score a great running goal, Centrals were quick to reply but poor kicking for goal and great defensive work by K Grund, Durdin, Zucker and co denied the Roosters of that illusive first goal.
Quarter time scores Roopena 1-2 Central 0-2.
Roopena started the second quarter in brilliant fashion winning the centre breaks and having goals on the board in the first two minutes, one to Sumner after good work from youngster, Webster, then Laube goaled after a free kick.
Roopena were running in numbers forcing Centrals to turn the ball over, the mid field lead by Burgess, Fiebig and Cook were winning many possessions.
Against the tide Brown for Central snapped a lovely goal to register the Reds first for the game.
Roos were quick to reply when Burgess pounced on a defensive error, then the illusive Rogelio Bodinner at the 14 minute kicked a rovers goal, Roopena's last for the quarter.
Half time score Roopena 6-5, Centrals 1-3.
The third quarter started just like the second quarter Roopena having two goals on the board in the first two minutes.
One to youngster Jake Burgoyne then a great crumbing goal to Elliot.
Mistakes continued to hound Centrals and their inability to set up a key forward was hurting them big time on the score board.
Cook goaled for Roopena at the 10 minute mark, Roopena's work in the five metre contestable zone and their first goal was great to watch.
When Centrals hit the post 10 metres out it was obvious to all it was not to be their night.
The three quarter time score line was an indication of just how dominant the Roo' had been.
Roopena 9-8, Centrals 1-5.
The last quarter was purely academic Roopena continued to attack, Centrals continued to make mistakes three goals to the Roos in five minutes.
One each to Laube, Bodinner, and Ewings and the game was well and truly over.
Centrals responded with two quick goals to Geddes then at the 11 minute mark, Luke Stanton excited the crowd splitting the Roo's defence with a great run which resulted in Central's fourth goal.
The final score was Roopena 12-14 to Central 4-6.
In summary, Roopena after losing so many players from last year's grand final side, surprised a lot of people with their style of football and the ease in which they won.
Fiebig was good all night, Burgess supplied plenty of run, Cook was value for possessions.
Elliot, Grund, Ewings excellent in defence.
Manfield and Bodinner up forward always threatened.
The Roos at the moment have an excellent blend of experience and youth.
Centrals did have players out but this was their worst performance for a long time only scoring 1-5 till three quarter time.
The Roosters are notorious for slow starts to the season I have no doubt they will improve but their inability to score goals will be of a present concern to coach Byles.
They were best served by Williams, Schenke, Burton and Matt Stanton.
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