Although joining the first-kick, first-goal club in his AFL debut, Bailey Dale enjoyed a baptism of fire in his introduction to senior football.

Dale’s first AFL game was as difficult as they come, against an undefeated Fremantle in round seven, with the Bulldogs going down by 13 points.

His second, a trying 39-point loss against Melbourne in round eight.

The young Bulldog says a testing start to his short career, made his first win (a victory against the Giants on Saturday night) that much sweeter.

“It was pretty amazing. I’ve obviously played in losses in my first two games which was disappointing,” said Dale speaking with Crocmedia on Monday night.

“To finally get that win was an unbelievable feeling and to share that with Shane Biggs and Joel Hamling was pretty special.”

Although in his first year at the Club, the disappointment of losing to the Giants at the end of the 2014 season wasn’t lost on Dale.

“I guess we really wanted to bounce back from (the loss) last year, it was a bit of a focus going into the game.

“We just wanted to bring that pressure that we’ve been bringing all year and just try as best as we could.”

Dale has impressed experts with his composure and silky skills, looking right at home in the Bulldogs line up after just three games.

Under the guidance of player mentor Mitch Wallis, Dale says his focus has been earning the respect of his teammates.

“Mitch said to me ‘just put your head down and work hard and earn the respect of the boys’ and I’d like to think I’ve done that.

“Mitch has obviously had a great start to the year so if I could follow in his footsteps and try and play some good footy,that would be great.”