The Footscray Bulldogs have claimed victory in their round four VFL clash against Richmond, defeating the Tigers 17.16 (118) to 17.9 (111), on Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
The victory was the team's third win in succession, with the reigning VFL premiers starting to find their stride in 2017.
Jack Redpath made his return from a long term knee injury and was a dominating presence on the field, with nine marks inside fifty and six goals.
Post match Redpath spoke to westernbulldogs.coma.u about his first game back for 2017, describing the culmination of his rehab as a “perfect return”.
“To be able to kick a few goals and get a win, its more then I could ask for,” Redpath said.
Redpath also spoke about the support from the midfielders and other key forwards such as Dickson and Crameri.
Dickson also impacted the scoreboard kicking three goals of his own.
Midfielder Mitch Wallis backed up last week’s strong performance with 31 touches and one goal, showing off some clean skills and a level head under pressure.
Another player who had the ball on a string was Shane Biggs finishing with 27 touches off half-back, while Bailey Dale also had a strong showing kicking two goals to go with 25 disposals.
The Dogs let the Tigers get off to a running start, kicking seven goals to one in the opening term. Grace’s message at quarter time was for the boys to not get too focused on the Tigers' head start but rather “play each moment and let the scoreboard take care of itself.”
Heeding the coach's advice, the Bulldogs came out in the second quarter to kick five goals to one and bring themselves back into the game. Some of the big names started to assert their presence on the scoreboard, wth bot Redpath and Dickson kicking two majors for the term.
Footscray trailed by just nine points at the main break.
It was a tug-of-war type affair in the second half with the teams both vying for the lead.
As time ticked away in the final term, a flurry of goals from the Tigers seemed to have them building momentum and on the verge of kicking clear, but Footscray never conceeded.
Late goals from Webb, Gowers and Redpath saw the Dogs secure the win, with Grace praising his player's ability to dig deep when required.
Footscray continue their home and away season campaign next Saturday, facing off against the undefeated Port Melbourne side at North Port Oval.
Footscray Bulldogs 1.6 (12) 6.9 (45) 9.14 (68) 17.16 (118)
Richmond 7.3 (45) 8.6 (54) 12.8 (80) 17.9 (111)
Goalkickers: J. Redpath 6, T. Dickson 3, B. Dale 3, L. Webb, B. Gowers, M. Wallis, D. Hamilton, A. Tashevski-Beckwith
Disposals: M. Wallis 31, S. Biggs 27, B. Dale 25, N. Jamieson 25, J. Prudden 25, L. Webb 21, W. Hayes 20, D. Hamilton 19, J. Russell 19
