Still hurting from last year's elimination final embarrassment, the Dogs turned on a scintillating attacking display at Marvel Stadium to win by 44 points.

New captain Marcus Bontempelli starred with 37 disposals - matching his career-best tally - and had plenty of assistance from his teammates.

Lachie Hunter, Jack Macrae and Hayden Crozier were all busy as Sam Lloyd and Lewis Young kicked three goals apiece.

"We looked like the team we should be," Beveridge said.

"We've been working on a lot of things over pre-season and trying to progress what we've been doing, and there were a lot of good signs.

"Some of our ball use, taking it forward under pressure and other times being a bit more measured, there were some good signs there and I thought we were hard in the contest."

The Bulldogs had more than double their opponents' number of scoring shots in the 15.11 (101) to 9.3 (57) win and enjoyed a 30-19 advantage in free kicks.

"Some people are always critical of that count, but it's because we attacked the footy and we're going to get that," Beveridge said.

"It was a physical contest."

Beveridge was impressed with inexperienced forward Young, ruckman Jordon Sweet and key defender Ryan Gardner, as well as high-profile recruit Alex Keath.

He also reserved praise for Bontempelli and Crozier.

The only negative for the Dogs was a high bump by North's Marley Williams that concussed Ed Richards, who was taken to hospital at half-time.

"I don't think it was intentional (but) I haven't replayed it," Beveridge said.

"It was just unfortunate. Hopefully he's OK."

Beveridge expected to welcome back Tim English (concussion), Matt Suckling (managed) and boom recruit Josh Bruce (back spasm) for the March 7 meeting with Port Adelaide.

Australian Associated Press