And though Julia Gillard's blue scarf did not have ''Western Bulldogs'' plastered over it for all to see, there's no doubting which AFL side she holds the number one ticket for.

In fact, the welcome the Canberra fans gave to the Greater Western Sydney Giants' opposition was downright polite, perhaps showing respect for the blokes so greatly admired by the country's leader.

Thankfully, a giant round of applause greeted the new part-Canberra AFL side as they ran onto the turf.

Though local fans might not know the words to the team song just yet, they certainly showed their support for the boys in orange.

They also belted out a pretty good rendition of the Australian anthem.

There were plenty of membership caps on show and many had spent the big bucks on a 2012 jersey.

But as is usual at an AFL match in Canberra, there were a few people brave enough to show their true colours, be they Adelaide Crows or Collingwood supporters.

And while local boy Josh Bruce received the crowd's support, there were some decidedly raucous cheers for Izzy each time he took a mark.

Proudly decked out in the orange merchandise of Canberra's new footy team were Frank and Deborah Fletcher.

Though the Canberrans are ''mad'' Geelong fans, they decided to support the local side once they heard about the Giants. They became foundation members last year and joined officially for the 2012 AFL season.

Both are now quite attached to the team, naming Israel Folau, star recruit Tom Scully and local boy Josh Bruce as their favourite players. ''I think they'll do alright - they will never be a Collingwood powerhouse, or a Geelong, but they'll do just as well as the other interstate teams,'' Mr Fletcher said.

The two remain hopeful that Geelong might get a game in the nation's capital before long. Though the Giants showed plenty of fight during yesterday's game, it was the Bulldogs who triumphed 15.14.104 to 9.8.62. Only fitting that the PM's side should win the inaugural Prime Minister's Cup.