STARTING the season against the Bathurst Netball Association's A grade defending champions Bulldogs Verdelho was always going to be a tough task for the Bathurst under 17s representative side and when the full-time whistle sounded on Saturday, they were on the wrong end of a 57-19 scoreline.

However, for 17s coach Jo Belfanti the season opener was not about the scoreline. It was about her players pushing themselves against and learning from the best netballers in Bathurst.

"We need to stretch the girls because they are going to come up against tough opposition like that at the state champs," she said.

"That was the reason were are in A grade.

"I will tell them not to worry about the scoreline, this is training for us. We took lots from today, there is lots to work on training."

While Bulldogs switched players each quarter and never really played with the real ruthlessness that helped them to last year's A grade crown, they were always in control at John Matthews Sporting Complex.

Their quick transition through centre court, good movement off the ball and the intelligent feeding of their shooters showed that Bulldogs will once again be a threat in 2016.

Goal shooter Danita Lane used her height advantage well. When she was unable to get front spot and drive to the ball, her team-mates were able to pick her out with over the top lob passes.

Lane won a majority of the rebounds and she was well complimented by goal attack Nikki Collins.

Down the other end of the court Bulldogs defended well. After Ella Lewis landed the first goal for the 17s with a nice long range shot, it took her nine minutes to find a second.

By quarter-time Bulldogs led 16-4 and though the 17s continued to work hard, it was clear the points on offer were headed the way of the defending champions.

In the second quarter Lewis moved into goal keeper to try and combat some of Lane's height advantage. While she did force some turnovers, she was unable to stifle the talented shooter.

Amy Powell moved into the attacking circle for the 17s to replace Lewis and she too toiled against her more experienced rivals. She helped the young Bathurst side double the amount of goals they had scored in the first quarter, but at half-time Bulldogs had extended their lead to 31-9.

In both the third and fourth quarters the 17s started well - scoring back-to-back goals for the first time shortly after play resumed in the second half - but after matching Bulldogs for a handful of minutes their intensity dropped.

In the end Bulldogs, who used Grace Broadfield as shooter in the final quarter as Lane switched to wing attack, were a class above as they ran out 57-19 winners.

"It was a tough start against the champions. It is very hard as a coach to keep them motivated, especially at this age, but I just make them believe in themselves and just try harder next time. I try to encourage them," Belfanti said.

"I think up against the best shooter in the comp in Danita it was hard, but I was pleased with them and will be telling them I thought they did a good job.

"Bulldogs are very skilled and I think they showed us we need to work on some footwork. The girls were a second behind today because they were starting on the wrong foot."

The 17s will no doubt meet more challenges as the season unfolds, but it should put them in good stead for a pair of representative carnivals later this month. They will then contest the state championships on the June long weekend.