Western Bulldogs midfielder Elle Bennetts says there are plenty of positives to take from their opening round loss to Melbourne.

The Bulldogs came out fighting after half-time, but had ultimately left too big a buffer to close in the 24-point defeat at VU Whitten Oval.

“We’re obviously pretty disappointed with the loss, but there are a lot of positives to come out of it - I think the start probably got us, so that’s going to be a focus for next week and the weeks to come,” Bennetts told westernbulldogs.com.au post-match.

“We really came together after quarter-time and half-time and we spoke about fighting – I think we really showed that.

“Towards the end of the game obviously it dropped off a little bit, but a lot of inspiration came from some of the girls who weren’t able to play so there was a bit of an inner fight too.”

Bennetts, one of five players making their Club debut on Saturday night, impressed in her first hit-out with 12 disposals, six tackles and two clearances playing predominantly inside.

She said she was thrilled to be able to get game one in the red, white and blue in the books.

“Coming into this group I was super excited – it was awesome to be able to play my first game with them all,” Bennetts said.

“I’m one of the older ones now, but it was really exciting to see all those younger girls coming through. This season is going to be one to really look forward to.

“We’ve seen in previous seasons and even last season, that this group can come up against (and match) those top sides, so that’s going to be our motivator moving forward.”

The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to Geelong, with a trip to GMHBA Stadium next Saturday night.