An emphasis on a big first term has led to the Western Bulldogs returning to the winners’ list, defeating the Giants by 45 points on Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs kicked eight first-quarter goals, guiding them to a 45-point win over GWS Giants on Saturday afternoon.

Bulldogs defender Matthew Boyd said his side’s focus leading up to the game had been on a better first quarter effort.

“We started really well and it was a real focus for us to start well and generate a bit of momentum.”

The Dogs’ fast start in the first term included seven goals in a row, in the space of 18 minutes, going on to amass 20 more scoring shots than their opposition.

While all the talk pre-game had been around the Giants’ impressive run, Boyd said it was important his side proved their ability.

“To get that result against a really good young, up and coming side is really positive.”

The Bulldogs regained the hardness that had become a trademark of their game early in the season, winning the contested possession count 161-133, with Boyd and his fellow half-backs leading the charge.

Boyd, Robert Murphy, Jason Johannisen and Easton Wood collected 96 disposals and 32 marks between them.

“The focus was getting back to our hardness around the ball, our pressure and just continuing to put them under as much pressure as we possibly could.

“Our backs are working pretty well together at the moment, we seem to have a bit of chemistry and the style that we’re playing is really good.”