The Western Bulldogs have suffered the sort of luck a struggler always manages to attract.

Even though the cash-strapped AFL club scored an encouraging round-one win over Geelong here at Telstra Dome, there would be little celebrating after the knee injury to captain Chris Grant.

It is likely Grant will need a season-ending reconstruction, robbing the Bulldogs of one of their most important players.

Grant's injury was the biggest news to come out of round one, with Wayne Carey making a stunning return to home-and-away football, West Coast captain Ben Cousins on report and the MCG "wind tunnel" having a predictable impact.

The nature of their losses suggested long seasons ahead for Carlton, St Kilda and Richmond, while Melbourne beat Hawthorn in a thriller at the MCG and Brisbane started like a two-time defending premier should.

Earlier this week, the AFL re-affirmed its support for the Bulldogs after the club made its latest plea for more members.

Losing such a crowd favourite, the man who once rejected a big offer from Port Adelaide after a young Bulldogs fan sent Grant 20c, would be just what the club does not need.

The 'Dogs were confident Grant was set for a return to top form after last year's injury problems.

New coach Peter Rohde was already demanding his younger players shared the load - now they have no choice.

"We're very keen to develop a team that has an evenness to it and I suppose when you lose your captain out of that, it puts it to the test straight away," he said.

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