Junction Oval witnessed the fall of 15 wickets, the red ball return of Glenn Maxwell, and a reinforcement arriving after the start on a chaotic day of Sheffield Shield action as Victoria hosted South Australia in a potentially crucial match.
Despite the steady flow of wickets, honours ended fairly even after day one with South Australia 5-75 in response to Victoria's 169.
A tricky pitch that was largely green but also worn-looking in patches greeted the teams as Victoria elected to bat.
South Australia's problems began prior to the commencement, with veteran wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen ruled out with illness during the morning.
A hastily-arranged flight booking led to uncapped wicketkeeper Harry Matthias being brought over from Adelaide, with the replacement taking to the field after an hour's play and 12th man Thomas Kelly donning the gloves in the interim.
Short-form specialist Maxwell lined up for a first Shield match since 2019, but his return to the crease lasted just nine balls.
Maxwell, who scored a half century in grade cricket on the weekend after a three-month absence with a broken leg, was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Jordan Buckingham in what appeared a questionable decision.
Matt Short made what was comfortably the day's top score with his aggressive approach yielding 70 off just 69 balls, including 10 boundaries.
Wes Agar knocked over openers Travis Dean (34) and the in-form Marcus Harris (15) before running through the tail for a return of 5-54 - his second best figures in first-class cricket.
Remarkably, a 31-run partnership for the second wicket between Dean and Ashley Chandrasinghe (11) proved the highest of the day as Victoria were bowled out inside two sessions.
In reply, South Australia faced a similar struggle and Nathan McSweeney (23) top-scored as the Redbacks grafted at less than two runs per over.
Victoria paceman Mitch Perry was the chief destroyer with 3-28.
Jake Lehmann (8no) and Wes Agar (5no) survived till stumps.
The two teams share second place in a four-way charge for one available berth in the final with two further rounds remaining.
