THE WESTERN Bulldogs have won their first game of 2012, beating the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the NAB Cup at Blacktown Sportspark on Saturday night.

Full match replays 12 hours after the game here. Simply click on the matches tab in AFL videos.

But the win didn't come without a scare.

With a goal the difference and just seconds left on the clock, the ball was deep in the Giants' forward line when GWS co-captain Phil Davis gathered just five metres from goal. Davis chose to handpass, with the result was a rushed behind and a narrow win for the Dogs.

Zephaniah Skinner was a standout for the Dogs, kicking two goals and presenting as the most lively target in a new look forward line without the retired Barry Hall.

Patrick Veszpremi was another sure to delight Bulldogs fans, showing dash and skill in the back half.

Matthew Boyd was his usual self, racking up possessions and leading the way for the Bulldogs midfield. He finished with 17 possessions in just 40 minutes of football.

Played in warm conditions in front of a good crowd in Blacktown, the Dogs showed a willingness for the contest - believed to be the cornerstone of new coach Brendan McCartney's approach.

There were plenty of encouraging signs for GWS, with the established senior players showing the way.

Luke Power and Rhys Palmer were among the best in the midfield, while former Melbourne captain James McDonald was also prolific.

Former Bulldogs Callan Ward and Sam Reid were also active throughout.

Ruckman Jonathan Giles was solid, while untried youngsters Jeremy Cameron and Curtly Hampton showed they are likely to play big roles in the Giants' first season at AFL level.

GWS was perhaps unlucky earlier in the match when Tim Mohr punched the ball away after a Daniel Cross goal and was pinged for time-wasting. The Dogs were given a free kick, with Matthew Panos kicking truly as a double-punishment.

Phil Davis was a rock in defence, while Reid played the valuable loose player in the back half against his old team.

Hampton was the first GWS player to kick a goal when he received a free kick 35m out against Easton Wood.

The highlight of the Giants' first game of their inaugural season was a nine-point goal to former Dog Ward, who kicked a low, penetrating set shot to get his new team within a goal of his former team.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY    0.1.1    1.3.3  (30)
WESTERN BULLDOGS                   0.3.2    0.5.5  (35)

GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Ward (super goal), Hampton, Giles, Palmer
Western Bulldogs: Skinner 2, Minson, Cross, Panos

BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Palmer, Power, Cameron, Hampton, McDonald, Giles
Western Bulldogs: Boyd, Skinner, Liberatore, Cross, Giansiracusa, Hargrave

INJURIES
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Grun, Ryan, Harris

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.