The Footscray Bulldogs are back on the winner’s list after defeating the North Ballarat Roosters by a 105-points in a rough and wet afternoon at Victoria University Whitten Oval on Sunday.
The ‘Scray started well despite the unfavorable conditions and booted seven goals to North Ballarat’s one in the opening term, Josh Wallis finishing the quarter with two goals in the last two minutes.
Coach Ashley Hansen was pleased with the even contribution across the ground and their preparedness against a side coming off the bye.
“The guys deserved to win, they worked really hard in tough conditions.
“With North Ballarat coming off a bye, and having recorded 108 tackles in their last game against Geelong, we knew they were really a combative side and would put us under pressure.
“But I thought the contribution across all lines, and to have eleven goal kickers with every player recording a tackle, just shows they were all invested today.
“When we share the work load we come away with a really good result.”
The ‘Scray kept the defensive pressure up in the second quarter as well as making an impact on the scoreboard, kicking five goals to the Roosters’ one, the Dogs going into the main break with a 68-point lead.
North Ballarat challenged in the third term and kept Footscray to four goals while managing to get three through the tight defence.
But the Dogs adjusted at three-quarter time and kept the Roosters goal-less in the final term while putting another four on the board, including two to Will Hayes.
The Bulldogs defensive pressure was a highlight across the afternoon, Hayes laying thirteen tackles, Zaine Cordy seven and Josh Dunkley six to go with his 20 disposals and one goal.
Hansen said he was impressed with the performances of the Bulldogs AFL-listed players.
Lukas Webb was best afield, finishing the day with 30 possessions and two goals, while Mitch Honeychurch was again solid with 29 touches and a goal to his name.
“I think all our AFL players played well, that’s the strength of our Club at the moment, even though our injury list is long, our players are performing at VFL level, and it’s important for us to maintain our standards across both levels to be a successful footy club.”
The ‘Scray will travel to North Port Oval next weekend where they will face Port Melbourne on Saturday at 2pm.
Footscray 6.5 12.12 16.16 20.21 (141)
North Ballarat 1.1 2.4 5.4 5.6 (36)
Best: Webb, Jong, Honeychurch, Wyatt, Williams, Wallis
Goals: J. Wallis, Wyatt 3, Webb, W. Hayes, Jong, Dalgleish, Staley 2, Honeychurch, Dunkley, Minson, Jamieson.
