The new W-League season kicked-off with Matildas' superstar Sam Kerr delivering as usual, but less expected was the catalogue of upset results from traditional powerhouse teams.
Champions Melbourne City, Canberra United and Sydney FC, who between them have won six of the nine titles, all crashed to uncomfortable defeats.
Two of last season's also-rans rounded out the opening weekend of fixtures as Newcastle Jets collected a 2-1 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers in hot conditions on Sunday.
Jenna Kingsley scored the winner with 12 minutes remaining just moments after Erica Halloway had cancelled out a first-half opener from former Wanderer Katie Stengel.
But the most significant result of the opening round was a Kerr-inspired 4-1 win for Perth Glory over a Melbourne City side brimming with big-name international recruits.
Kerr backed up her reputation as a player who rises to the big occasion by getting on the scoresheet just two-and-a-half minutes into the season.
The comprehensive victory in the grand final rematch suggests the Glory are capable of winning a maiden title, after twice being the bridesmaids.
Kerr, fresh from being was named best player in United States' prestigious NWSL, is in irresistible form while American attacker Rachel Hill and Costa Rican midfielder Raquel Rodriguez also look to be strong additions for the Glory.
The welcome return of Matildas' striker Michelle Heyman after a 10 month injury absence was unable to help Heather Garriock's new-look Canberra United open with a win against Melbourne Victory.
Heyman scored an equaliser for United and had several other sights of goal.
But it was unfancied Melbourne Victory who took all three points at home thanks to a second-half winner from English striker Natasha Dowie.
Meanwhile, a 3-1 win over old rivals Sydney FC made for a promising start for Brisbane Roar following several seasons of disappointment for the normally reliable Queenslanders.
Matildas' midfielder Katrina Gorry got the Roar's new 2017-18 campaign off to a perfect start by netting after just 20 seconds, while Allira Toby added further goals in each half.