The Western Bulldogs have started their 2020 AFLW campaign in style, storming to a 26-point win against St Kilda at RSEA Park in Moorabbin.
A four-goal opening quarter propelled the Bulldogs to an early advantage against the AFLW newcomers, as they led from start to finish in blustery conditions.
Skipper Ellie Blackburn was dominant from the outset, finishing with 17 disposals, while fellow leaders Hannah Scott and Kirsty Lamb also had 17 disposals apiece to play important roles in the win.
Bonnie Toogood was dangerous around goal, snagging two majors before quarter time.
A 24-point lead had been opened up by the Bulldogs at the major break, with both sides conceding just one goal apiece in the second half.
The Bulldogs five debutantes all impressed, with number one draft pick Gabby Newton collecting 13 touches, and American import Dani Marshall slotting her first AFLW goal.
Marshall and Kim Rennie chipped in to help replace Celine Moody in the ruck, with Moody injuring her ankle and taking no part in the game after half-time.
Izzy Huntington missed the final minutes after suffering a head knock, after a strong performance in new territory across half-back
The Bulldogs will be out to make it two from two to start the season, when they host Melbourne under the Friday night lights at VU Whitten Oval next week.
ST KILDA 1.0 1.1 1.1 2.1 (13)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.1 5.1 5.2 6.3 (39)
GOALS
St Kilda: McDonald, Sedunary
Western Bulldogs: Toogood 2, Marshall, McCarthy, Hunt, Lamb
BEST
St Kilda: Patrikios, McDonald, Vesely, Priest
Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, Lamb, Toogood, Huntington, Scott, Rennie
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Moody (ankle), Huntington (head knock)
LATE CHANGES
St Kilda: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 8000 at RSEA Park