Sister club the Milano Eagles struck an early blow in the lead-up to the Carlton Mid Derby on Sunday, by eclipsing the Genova Dockers in a first round match of AFL Italia last weekend.

The relationship between West Coast and Milano was forged in recent months and was further enhanced when recruiter and former player Brad Smith attended an AIS camp in the region a few weeks ago.

AFL Italia held a round robin to kick of their season on Ferno Rugby Pitch and the Eagles won both matches.

The home team, Milano Footy Eagles, made the best of its home ground advantage to score two important wins in the opening match day of AFL Italia 2012 Premiership.

The opening game between Milano and Roma, as predicted, was a hard-fought contest. After a positive start by the Eagles, Roma came from behind to be in front 21 to 17 at half-time.

Four unanswered goal by the Eagles, midway through the second term, however, propelled the home side to a 43-27 lead, and then they held off the rivals who rallied till the final siren.

In the second game, Genova and Roma had very even contest, with the Dockers going in front 27 to 15, but a strong finish of the term brought the Blues in front 29 to 27 at half-time. In the second half, Roma grabbed the lead 37 to 36, with a few minutes left, but a goal and two behinds in the dying seconds put the Dockers in front to win the game 44 to 37.

The final game between the Milano Eagles and the Genova Dockers proved a lop-sided affair as the Eagles took advantage of a weary and undermanned opponent.

The Eagles made a flying start to lead 27 to 0, and held a 31 to 15 advantage at half time. In the final term, five quick Eagles' goals brought the Eagles home and provided them with a handy percentage boost as well. The final score was Milano 69 to Genova 17.

Click here for the full results.