The Footscray Bulldogs are now 1-2 on the season after going down by 28 points to the Sandringham Zebras on Saturday afternoon at Trevor Barker Oval,.
The contest was tight from the first siren, with the Zebras coming for the Bulldogs after every score, the visitors going into the first break with just a four point lead.
Sandringham continued to challenge the Bulldogs in the second term and managed to snatch the lead to go into the main break ahead by 3.
The Zebras were dominant in the third, kicking eight goals to four to extend their lead by 26-points.
Coach Ashley Hansen conceded that the Bulldogs defense was disappointing.
‘Defensively we weren’t as good in the second half and we didn’t take our opportunities.
‘It’s not a good mix when you’re not scoring off winning just as much of the football’
The Bulldogs kept attacking in the final term, not allowing the margin to blow out but were unable to regain the lead.
‘Sandringham are a good side, they’re a contender this year and I thought for a half we certainly pushed them and we’ll continue to learn and develop our team.’
Skipper Jordan Russell was a standout for Footscray, his work ethic whose impressing Hansen
“He battled his heart out today for the side in the back half.’
Lukas Webb was also impressive on the day with 23 disposals, 5 tackles and 1 goal.
The ‘Scray take on Werribee next Saturday at Victoria University Whitten Oval, 12pm.
Footscray 5.2 7.7 11.9 12.17 (89)
Sandringham 4.4 8.4 16.5 18.9 (117)
Best: Russell, Dunkley, Webb, Minson, Roberts, Wallis
Goals: Dunkley Redpath, Grabowski 2, Webb Jamieson Hayes Williams Goetz & Austin
