AFL wooden spooners the Western Bulldogs have begun their 2004 campaign with a nail biting two-point win over a Northern Territory side.

With a low 5.12 (42) to 6.4 (40) scoreline, Western Bulldogs were barely able to shake off the cobwebs in their first competitive match since their early exit from the 2003 season.

With the season just weeks away, Bulldogs coach Peter Rohde said there were no major injuries to his side.

"Adam Morgan got a bit of concussion...Daniel Cross got a few stitches and in the end we had a few (corks) but no injuries," Rohde said.

He added the Bulldogs weren't able to use their advantages in the wet conditions.

"It was a very competitive game and we always knew it would be like that.

"They certainly worked really hard and ran the game out really well.

"The conditions meant it was always going to be very competitive. We probably weren't able to use the advantage we thought we had over them."

Rohde said he was committed to giving all of the players equal time on the field in their first real practice match of the season.

He described it as a closely fought game all night, with the Bulldogs never far enough in front to feel comfortable.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP