Renee Saulitis a match-winner for Greater Western Victoria Rebels in season-opener

The South Warrnambool export, who is the Rebels' joint vice captain for the 2020 NAB League season, booted a goal on the run and converted a set shot from a tight angle in the final quarter against Sandringham Dragons in Ballarat on Saturday.

The second major put the Rebels seven points up. From there they kept the Dragons at bay, winning 4.2 (26) to 2.9 (21).

"We were down and had our heads down a little bit but we came out after half-time and really brought it to them and in the last quarter kicked a couple," Saulitis told The Standard.

"I had a set shot and I knew I had to kick it. It was further out than I would back myself really to kick but it was the adrenaline.

"I didn't play too well in the two middle quarters but I had to bring myself up and really put the score on the board."

Rebels female co-ordinator Krista Woodroofe said Saulitis embraced the pressure.

"She kicked a goal on an angle in the left-hand pocket which was quite good," she told The Standard.

"As soon as she gets the ball in her hands, you know something magical is going to happen. She played really well through the midfield, was very strong overhead, got a lot of the footy."

Saulitis praised Stella Bridgewater, who plays locally for South Warrnambool, for her seven-possession debut.

"She went really well down back. In the last quarter we had to do slow play because we were only a goal or so up," she said.

"She took her time to get the ball out. It was really good for her to be composed."

Woodroofe said Bridgewater adapted well to a higher level.

"Her inside footy today was really good, she was really hard at it and when she did get the footy she did good things by hand and by foot," she said.

Kate Tomkins - a Casterton-raised player who is aligned with Hamilton Kangaroos - collected 10 disposals.

"Kate played off a wing and was really solid for us," Woodroofe said.

"She kept her wits all game so was able to get a lot of footy on the outside and when we needed her down back, she voluntarily does that, that's her natural game.

"With her defensive mindset she was able to get that outnumber in the back line which definitely helped save a lot of goals."

The Rebels will now have a week off owing to a league-wide bye.

But Saulitis, who is a member of the AFL Academy, said they would use it to hone in on areas of improvement - including post-game celebrations.

"It (the win) will make everyone have a bit of belief for future games. We just have to learn the song a bit more though," she joked.

"I even forgot it myself."

The Rebels are expected to announce their boys' squad early next week.

Those selected will then take part in the NAB League fitness testing weekend in Melbourne.

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