This year's NAB Cup victory was the first time the Bulldogs, formerly Footscray, had picked up silverware since Teddy Whitten led the team to grand final victory 40 years ago in a now-redundant night series.

Their only taste of a premiership proper came in 1954.

So forgive the sons and daughters of the red, white and blue if they get a little bit excited at a pre-season win.

Footscray resident Wendy Pearce might be in hospital after having an operation on her leg, but that didn't stop her from watching the game with bated breath. Staff at Western Private let her daughter Jane stay after visiting hours and watch the telecast with her, though their celebrations had to be tempered.

Mrs Pearce said she had not wanted the Dogs to sign Barry Hall but had changed her mind after watching his performance on Saturday night.

"I said early on, if that thug Barry Hall comes to my team I'm not going to get a membership. Of course, I did. I've changed my mind now; I support anything that helps the Dogs."

Many know her Hyde Street home because it is covered in Doggies decorations.

West Footscray's Marion Sexsmith was one of the few Bulldogs fans alive to see the club win its first and only premiership 56 years ago.

"It's been a long time since the 1954 one and I'm hoping I can go for one more year and see them win it," the 83-year-old said. "Because I'm getting a bit long in the tooth and it's hard to get to the games now."

Coach Rodney Eade seems determined to temper expectation within the clubrooms. At a press conference after the game he said: "I think the guys will be focused on round one. You could see tonight that they enjoyed winning, but it wasn't over the top."

President David Smorgon said it gave him great pleasure to see the joy on fans' faces after the game.

He urged the 6000 members from last year, who are yet to re-sign, to get on board and be cautiously optimistic for the season ahead.

"Yes, we will be a contender this year and should be a contender considering our past form," he said.

"We're hoping for a good year, but it's a very strong competition, a very long season and like any club we need our share of luck."