Koby Stevens made a stunning return to football after sitting out the final nine games of last season at StarTraK Oval in Canberra last night.

The Dogs faced a young Greater Western Sydney side, cruising to a 31-poin- victory in the Club’s first NAB Challenge hit out for 2016.

Stevens impressed with 29 possessions (including 12 contested), five inside 50m and a late goal, the 24-year-old telling westernbulldogs.com.au that it was ‘amazing’ to be back.

“I just love being out on the football field, Stevens said.

“It’s good to be back and it’s good to get the first one out of the way.” 

Stevens was set for a career best year last season before a foot injury struck him down, the midfielder saying that last night’s game was important for his confidence going forward.

“I had a big lay-off and didn’t quite know where I was at and didn’t start running until after Christmas.

“But I feel as fit as ever at the moment, as strong as ever, so it’s just good to get one under the belt.

“It is only the NAB Challenge but it’s a good starting point, that’s for sure.”

Speaking after the game, coach Luke Beveridge said that Stevens was key cog in the Dogs’ resurgence in the first half of the season and his display against the Giants was reminder of how much he was missed when he went out of the side.

"He was playing probably the best footy of his career," Beveridge said in his post match press conference Thursday night.

"He's got a pretty (well) rounded game Koby, he's good in the air, he's good at ground level, he's quite versatile and can play most of the lines, so he adds to our mix and our ability to adapt during games.

"Hopefully we can have some fortune with him and he can string them (some games) together."