The Bulldogs proved strong for the Dogs running away with a 26-9 victory at Dennington Recreation Reserve.

It was the first time both teams had hit the court since 2019 because the coronavirus pandemic meant no 2020 season.

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And it was also Josie Ellerton's first game in charge since she took the coaching reins.

Ellerton said her team had to adjust to the windy and slippery conditions.

"I felt like we second-guessed everything to start with and once we adjusted to that we settled into the game better," she said.

She felt her side displayed versatility.

"We made changes, there were different midcourt options and different goalie options and I think they were pretty seamless," she said.

"So just having that flexibility was a real strength, adjusting to different wing defences and wing attacks.

"And then even when we needed something different in the goals in the last quarter we just changed it and settled into it."

Maintaining possession will be a focus for future rounds.

"Earlier on, we gave them the ball too much so I think it's just maintaining possession and really valuing the ball," Ellerton said.

"Which will come with just playing with each other and better conditions."

Recruit Lisa Pender, who played with South Rovers in 2019, was the Bulldogs' best.

She played alongside other former Lions Abby Sheehan (goalie) and Jess Rohan (defender) who also played well at either end of the court.

Pender was also reunited with former teammate Stacy Dunkley - who played at the Lions some years ago - through the midcourt.

"I suppose the good thing is I've played with a number of the girls on the team so I know how they play," she said.

"So it's just adjusting to that again."

Pender, who played centre and wing attack, loved playing with the Bulldogs for the first time since making the switch from the Lions.

"Absolutely, the best feeling ever," she said.

"It's been a long time coming and it felt amazing. There's a great atmosphere and it's a great club."

She felt the new-look team "just snapped together", working well and putting the hard work at training into practice.

Dennington mentor Sharon Kenna got her first opportunity to lead her team since signing on.

Kenna said the group had a lot to work on but she felt the Dogs' defence put in a fantastic performance.

It featured Maddie Solly, Rochelle Winnen and recruit Hannah Rose.

Kenna said the Dogs had to work on their attacking game.

"I felt we didn't make the right choices on our feeds into the goal ring and Jess Rohan played great for them at goal defence, she put heaps of pressure on," Kenna said.

"The girls then started to second-guess what they were going to do with the ball, which was great defence on her behalf.

"It's just something we need to work on and it's a whole new combination (for us) in that attack line."

It's the beginning of a new era for the Dogs who are without the likes of Jess Haberfield (Merrivale), Kristie Bolden (studying) and Krystal Roads this season.

The Bulldogs face Old Collegians at Davidson Oval in round two while Dennington heads to Timboon Recreation Reserve to face the Dees.

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