The Footscray Bulldogs emerged as clear winners in their inaugural VFL clash on Saturday but Nick Lower says the scores didn’t reflect the physicality of the contest.

“There’s nothing quite like round one, I’ve got to be honest towards the end of the game I certainly felt it,” Lower said.

“It’s not until the real stuff starts that you remember how hard it is.

“There’s plenty to improve on for [all of us] and personally as well, and as I said I am really looking forward to next week and the weeks ahead.”

Lower said the significance of games returning to Victoria University Whitten Oval was not forgotten, but used as motivation for the season opener.

“It’s a fantastic way to start obviously – it’s been 17 years since points have been played for at Whitten Oval,” he said.

“We were pretty conscious of the nerves of some of the boys but it was certainly something that we thought was important to talk about.

“So [we are] really, really pumped to start the season like this and hopefully it is something that we continue into next week.”

The Footscray co-captain was also pleased to see the new side jell across the four quarters and each play their role for the team.

“The integration of the AFL boys in the last few weeks has been fantastic, they’ve been great for some of the younger VFL boys who are looking to continue their journey beyond VFL,” he said.