It was always going to be slightly new territory for both clubs, signing up for the restructured Victorian Women’s Football League.

Lions and Dragons officials were impressed with the atmosphere and support at both opening round matches on Sunday after lengthy pre-seasons and starting lists from scratch.

Redan coach Chris Wilson, who also coaches the Lions’ youth girls, said his players drew on an excited crowd in their 12-point division two win against Mordialloc at Western Oval.

“Everyone was cheering and tooting their horns. Most of the girls haven’t played with that at a game before,” Wilson said.

“The girls are so excited and just happy to have the crowd behind them, then somewhere to go after the game.”

Basketballer Jenna Conroy booted four goals and thrived when thrown into the ruck, treating the hit-out like a jump ball, with fellow basketballer Tahni Nestor also playing a starring role.

Key small Becky Irons was handy in the forward pocket, then added bite playing on the ball.

The Ballarat Football League-affiliated clubs joined the VWFL this season as the BFL plans to build on its booming youth league competition.

Golden Point opened its VWFL division 3/4 season amid a carnival-style BFL youth girls round one fixture at White Flat Oval.

Dragons female football director Kerrie Leckie said the match allowed all youth girls a chance to see a pathway in the game and some potential recruits for Redan and Golden Point.

The Dragons squad was primarily all new to the game and secured a resounding 58-point win against South Morang.

“A lot of the girls became really excited once they felt their first bump and knew what the game would be like,” Leckie said.

Riddell’s Creek, Sebastopol, Darley, Lake Wendouree and Redan chalked up round one wins in the BFL youth girls.

Newcomer Maryborough Castlemaine, a combined league team, will make its competition debut against Gisborne next week.