It gave Canberra's Giants fans some extra ammunition - as if they needed any.

There was a big, big sound coming from the Manuka Oval stands for GWS' first Friday night game in history that added further weight to the claim the ACT government's investment in the Giants has paid off.

The excitement was palpable in the lead up to the opening bounce - and it was clear the capital has adopted the club as their own when the final siren sounded.

Boyd thrown into the ruck

Bulldogs full-forward Tom Boyd hasn't had the ideal start to the 2017 season, and things threatened to get worse before the first ball had been bounced.

Boyd was forced to shift into the ruck after teammate Tom Campbell was ruled out before the match with an ankle complaint, with Bayley Dale called into the 22.

Giants ruckman Shane Mumford monstered the Swans in the Sydney derby with 62 hit-outs and picked up where he left off against the Bulldogs.

Boyd has left Bulldogs fans wanting after joining the club on a monster deal from the Giants and many thought he paid for himself with his stunning finals form that helped the club to a drought-breaking premiership.

After starting the year with just three goals from six games and a tough night in the ruck, those questions have resurfaced.

The Package delivered in the second quarter

Jake Stringer took on the responsibility of being the Bulldogs' key forward in the second quarter with two huge goals to nudge his side clear at the main break.

Giants spearhead Jeremy Cameron threatened to give the Bulldogs a few nightmares in the second term but his three straight goals were all the hosts could muster.

Stringer and Marcus Bontempelli produced some plays worthy of any highlight reel, both registering two goals that changed the landscape of the contest.

Toby leaves Leon Cameron feeling Greene

Just days ago Giants coach Leon Cameron asked Toby Greene to tone down his aggressive style of play - he was left disappointed.

Greene faces a daunting week after being reported for a late hit on the Bulldogs' headgear wearing pocket rocket Caleb Daniel that could see him rubbed out of next week's clash with St Kilda.

The third quarter brain fade gave away three things that could have proved crucial - a 50 metre penalty, momentum, and the lead.

Bulldogs their own worst enemy

A comeback victory masked an inability to convert for the Bulldogs against the Brisbane Lions last week - but the Giants are a different beast.

Sheer weight of scoring shots had the scales tipped squarely in the Bulldogs' favour but they couldn't take advantage, the scoreline rarely blowing out past 15 points.

The premiership favourites will make you pay for poor finishing and that's exactly what they did to the title holders.