The Western Bulldogs suffered a six-point loss to Melbourne in their opening pre-season match, but more importantly, Bob Murphy got through unscathed.
The Bulldogs skipper moved well in his first game since suffering a serious knee injury in round three last year, playing the whole match and collecting 16 possessions.
The Demons impressed in the windy conditions at Whitten Oval, defeating a Dogs side containing 15 premiership players 0.14.8 (92) to 2.9.14 (86) in Simon Goodwin's first game as senior coach.
Ex-Collinwgood forward Travis Cloke was also a big positive for the Dogs, but it wasn't all good news for the reigning premiers.
Ruckman Jordan Roughead left the game with a right knee injury at quarter-time.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"There were some positives, definitely Bob coming back and having his first hitout ... it's such a grind to come back from such a serious injury," coach Luke Beveridge said.
"I walked in at about 12.30 and he was already here - it was like he was an Auskicker turning up and hoping he was the first one here to get a free can of Coke.
"I think he enjoyed it ... it's good to get him through his first one."
Roughead fell to the ground in pain and immediately signalled for the trainers as he was about to contest a ball up against Max Gawn in the centre of the ground.
He was able to limp from the field under his own steam and will need scans to determine the severity of the injury.
"It was a bit of a strange one ... he just went to run in and just before he jumped (he had pain) just behind the back of the knee," Beveridge said.
"They'll assess that and let us know.
"It seemed pretty innocuous the way it happened."
Cloke kicked a goal with his first possession as a Bulldog and competed well around the ground, taking eight marks and also kicking a super goal.
"He kicked the ball well so there's some really encouraging signs there for Trav," Beveridge said.
"He's trained hard ... we hope to find his best qualities in his performances over the course of this year.
"There some really good signs for him."
The Demons, who led at at every change, were well served by former Hawthorn premiership star Jordan Lewis, who gathered 28 possessions in his first game for his new club.
