Former skipper Luke Darcy, back in the side for the first time since undergoing two knee reconstructions, kicked the opening goal of the third term after taking a half to adjust to the increased speed of the game.
Darcy's delight at returning to the sport he has missed since round six, 2005 was clear as he guided a set shot through the big sticks to give the Dogs a 27-point lead.
"It was a bit of a release from all the things that have frustrated me for the past two years," the ruckman said, of his ecstatic reaction following the goal.
"I've been watching so much footy, imagining myself out there and I'm just so pumped I've been able to get out there.
"To win the first game is just fantastic."
Darcy had a hand in another goal 20 minutes later, where he handpassed to Ryan Griffen 40 metres out from goal, who instantly found the steady hands – and accurate boot – of Adam Cooney.
While the big man couldn't wipe the smile off his face in the Dogs' room after the match, he said he is all too aware he needs to pick up his fitness in order to cope with the fast nature of today's game.
"It was great. I just love being out there and I know I've got a lot to improve," he said.
"The game has gotten quicker since I last played, there's no doubt about that.
"But I'm just savouring the fact I was able to get out there and do it again. There were obviously times where I didn't think that would happen – it was just great.
"When I played my last game two years ago, I didn't have to come off the ground at all, but you have to come off now.
"It's just so fast. You need to come through the bench. The game is just played at an incredible pace and it's noticeably different.
"Round one is always quick but it's definitely changed in two years."
Darcy said he felt "really good" directly after the match, and remains hopeful he will continue to improve as the season wears on.
"It took a while (to settle in). I felt better in the last quarter than I did in the first quarter, and I think that's what is going to happen," he said.
"I hope I'm just going to keep improving. I'm coming from a fair way back, but I started to feel pretty good towards the end."
