AUSSIE RULES: The Maroochydore Roos have kicked off their premiership defence in fine fashion and it's all thanks to some experienced heads according to coach Andrew Cadzow.

The Roos managed to stave off a resurgent Caloundra Panthers in the south-east Queensland division one season-opener on Saturday to walk away with the win, 9.13 (67) to 8.9 (57).

Blustery conditions made play difficult at Fisherman's Rd, with both sides evenly matched during the first quarter.

However, the Roos went up a gear in the second quarter with three goals blowing the half-time score out to 36-14.

The Panthers clawed their way back in the second half of the local derby to get within eight points but weren't able to continue the push, eventually going down by 10 points.

"I thought our guys were really good for the conditions," Cadzow said.

"It was really hard to play in this sort of wind and if you made one mistake you really get caught out by it.

"For an early game in the season it was a really good game of footy."

Cadzow believed it was experienced heads that proved the difference on the day and helped the Roos cement the victory.

Among those senior players in action was Nigel Baker who notched up his milestone 100th game for the club.

"I think a little bit of experience under pressure (was key)," he said.

"When you're two or three goals up and your older blokes have got the footy in their hands and hit a couple of targets to slow the game down you put yourself in the right situation.

"I think we had enough of the footy to win the game and a couple senior heads got them over the line."

Although happy with the result, Cadzow believed there was still plenty to work on if the Roos were to fight their way towards a successful title defence.

They'll take on Mayne at home next Saturday and will face grand finalists Noosa the following week.

Cadzow said the fixtures provided a "pretty brisk and hard start to the season" with his charges needing to have improved performances if they were to be successful.

"You're always a bit sloppy with the skills and decision making early in the year and I don't think we're fit enough...," he said.

"There was a lot to like about what we did today (Saturday) but there's a lot to work on."