A solid if unspectacular performance by Israel Folau and Greater Western Sydney has seen them secure their first premiership points in the new North East Australian Football League.

The Giants recorded a 16.13 (109) to 9.14 (68) win over Canberra-based side Ainslie at Ainslie Oval to kick off the NEAFL on Saturday.

The new competition brings in teams from across the eastern seaboard, as well as serving as a warm-up comp for GWS ahead of their inclusion in the AFL next year.

Their first victory for actual points should go some way to appeasing the critics after their dismal 96-point thumping at the hands of the Sydney Swans' reserves last week.

It was also a better afternoon for Folau, who had failed to win a single disposal last week, prompting speculation he was soon to return to NRL ranks.

The 22-year-old saw out a slow, but steady session in defence for the whole of the afternoon and managed a handful of effective disposals.

His first touch came five minutes in with a handball receive, although he fluffed the disposal - the kick barely travelled five metres.

But aided by Folau, GWS' strong defence helped keep Ainslie, last year's AFL Canberra premiers, to just nine goals for the match.

In front of 500 fans, Ainslie was first on the scoreboard through Andrew Mathis, but GWS' Stephen Clifton was quick to respond, the first of his three goals for the afternoon.

GWS led by 13 points at halftime, but managed to pull away in the second half thanks to Simon Tunbridge, who also finished with three goals.

With the game in the bag at the final change, GWS piled on another four quick goals, before Ainslie managed to plug the 50-plus deficit back.

They notched another three goals in the final 10 minutes for a final 41-point margin.

Former rugby league winger Folau was pleased with his performance.

"Certainly it was better than last week," he said.

"After today's game I'm confident 100 per cent.

"There's still a lot that I need to learn, but that will take time and there's no rush for me."

Crowded by young fans post-match, Folau dismissed the criticism that he's not ready for the AFL.

"There are people out there who have opinions, that's fine, I can't control that.

"All I can do is work on my training.

"And I'm loving it to be quite honest."

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy said the team's strenuous pre-season schedule had paid off.

"We worked hard in a pretty big pre-season, playing against five clubs," he told AAP.

"We won it in the midfield, but that's also the best score we've ever kicked as a club."

Ainslie coach Chris Rourke said the team had squandered their chances to get on top in the third quarter, blaming a lack of match fitness.

But he paid full credit to the GWS men who were "professional footballers - we're semi-professionals".

Rourke said they'd also struggled to match up Folau in terms of sheer size.

GWS play Tuggeranong at Blacktown Olympic Park next Saturday, while Ainslie have a bye.

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