Nine-pointers: Western Bulldogs: T Campbell.

Goals: Western Bulldogs: J Stringer 3, T Campbell 2, C Daniel, J Macrae, J Roughead, K Stevens, L Picken, M Suckling, M Wallis, N Hrovat. Greater Western Sydney: J Stewart 2, R Lobb 2, S Coniglio 2, W Hoskin-Elliott 2, A Tomlinson, J Hopper, T Scully.

Best: Western Bulldogs: J Stringer, T Campbell, K Stevens, L Hunter, N Hrovat. Greater Western Sydney: R Lobb R Palmer T Scully N Wilson J Kelly.

Greater Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron says Canberra product Jack Steele took a "really good step" as Stephen Coniglio sealed his first game as acting captain with a kiss.

But there was more to love about the Western Bulldogs as they cruised to a comfortable 31-point victory at Manuka Oval on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs' kicking for goal was the only concern for last year's surprise packet of the AFL in their 1.13.17 (104) to 11.7 (73) win in both teams' first NAB Challenge game.

All-Australian forward Jake Stringer (three goals) showed promising signs for the Dogs, along with Jason Johannisen (24 disposals) and Koby Stevens (29). Both had plenty of the ball in hot conditions in front of 5636 fans.

Hawthorn premiership player Matt Suckling impressed Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who was happy with his first game after joining the Kennel.

Rory Lobb (two goals) provided a target as he looks to stake his claim as GWS back-up ruck behind Shane Mumford, although former Cat Dawson Simpson did well in the centre.

But it was Steele who most caught Cameron's eye against a strong Bulldogs midfield.

"I thought Jack started off slowly, but I thought he was one of our better players after quarter-time," Cameron said.

"He's developing into a hard-nosed onballer. The more time he plays against [Marcus] Bontompelli and these sort of guys, he realises, 'I've got to get to that level, how do I get to that level?'

"How fast he gets to that level where he learns from every game he plays, but I definitely thought a really good step."

As is often the case in pre-season games, poor kicking marred the first half, with both sides guilty of turning the ball over needlessly, especially GWS.

Stringer showed the bullocking work he's known for, kicking two second-quarter goals — the first on the lead and he found himself in acres of space inside the forward 50m.

He ambled towards goal and dribbled it through from 30m for his third of the first half.

The Bulldogs cruised to a 19-point lead at the long break.

Coniglio (two goals) provided a talking point when he kicked his first — exchanging a peck on the cheek with Rhys Palmer.

But the Bulldogs were always in control and Liam Picken capitalised on a lucky free kick to make it 28 points going into the final term.

Beveridge was impressed with his three-prong ruck attack with Tom Campbell (three goals), Will Minson and Jordan Roughead all providing a presence around the ground.

The Bulldogs coach said it was great to have Stevens back after a stress fracture ended his 2015 early and he was also impressed with what Suckling brought to his new club.

"He was good, he was very, very good. You saw what he's going to offer us. He ran hard, he's quick, he used his leg and he's a great acquisition for us, Matty. Really happy with his first-up performance for his club," Beveridge said.