A sun-drenched Victoria University Whitten Oval was the scene for the Western Bulldogs' first competitive hit out of season 2016, a hard fought intra club match that saw the return of Tom Liberatore before 4000 fans.

Midfielder Lin Jong said that though the weather made it a little challenging, the boys were good for the run.

“I was a bit rusty at the start I thought but I got into it,” Jong told westernbulldogs.com.au. 

“The weather kind of turned it on for us at the start, it was a bit hot, but I thought everyone did really well.

“It was a close game but the Blue (team) got over the top.”

While Jack Redpath kicked four goals for the boys in blue, Jake Stringer kicked three majors for the white team, and draftee Josh Dunkley impressing with three of his own, it was the return of Tom Liberatore that was the talk of the day.

Jong said he couldn’t be happier to see the number 21 out there again.   

“Strings was good, but it was so good to see Libba back out there again in that midfield, playing alongside him. 

“I think everyone felt that way, the fans as well, we were just really happy to see him out there.”

Jong said that while the intensity is certainly there during an intra club match, it is a step down from what fans should expect to  see in the NAB Challenge against the Giants in two weeks, albeit out of necessity.

“Playing against opposition instead of ourselves, even today, we’ve still got to look after each other a bit but still be competitive at the same time, so we’re all really looking forward to 'NAB one.'

“It’s not really holding back but certain contests... just picking your moments, you know, if someone is going back with the flight, just looking after them.” 

“We don’t want to injure each other but we want to get that balance right of playing hard and competitive but also not hurting each other.

In the end it was Jong’s boys in blue who edged out the White Team by seven points, something he said he’ll be dining out on around the Club, at least for a little while.

“Yeah I was in a blue, so I’ll definitely be letting them know.”