An experienced Dennington welcomed youngster Zoe Fleming to its line-up for the first time as it overcame Kolora-Noorat on Saturday.
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The Dogs were too strong for the Power, winning 60-34 to get their Warrnambool and District Football Netball League season off to a positive start.
Dennington coach Josie Bolden said she was thrilled with the effort put in by her girls at the Noorat Recreation Reserve.
"It was awesome," she said.
"Obviously you've got the cobwebs and the nerves for the first game.
"But the girls did a wonderful job, they all bound together and we got the win today.
"I'm so proud of them."
Bolden said it was great to get Fleming on court in A grade for the first time.
"The girls made her feel at home," Bolden said.
"She's a 16-year-old girl who has a bright future and a lot of maturity on the court."
"This is the future of the club."
Fleming, who has played with the Dogs since under 13s, will play as goal shooter or in defence this season.
The Year 11 Emmanuel College student said it was exciting to make her senior debut.
"I was a bit nervous at the start but once the first centre was over, I was all right," she said.
It was a step in the right direction for the Dogs who are hoping to go one better this season after finishing runner-up to Nirranda last year.
The Dogs raced to a 15-7 lead early in the match, making it difficult for the Power to keep in touch.
Dennington maintained its lead in the second quarter, up 23-14 not long before the main break.
The Dogs lost a couple of handy players over the off-season including Vicky Davies (retired) and Melissa Burt (Terang Mortlake) but brought in skillful mid-courter Ruby Wilson from South Warrnambool.
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