Footscray have put a stop to the Werribee Tigers’ six game winning streak with a 24-point victory at Victoria University Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Dogs clearly not deterred by the Tigers strong recent form, instead playing their own brand of football and taking control of the game, leading at every change.
A big third quarter effort, strong pressure around the ball and a flurry of goalkickers were all contributing factors to the ‘Scray’s winning performance.
Footscray produced nine goalkickers for the day, including Anthony Bruhn who made a majro impact on the scoreboard with four goals.
Matthew Boyd was the top ball winner for Footscray with 31 touches including 17 kicks, 14 handballs and 9 marks.
Declan Hamilton was another key contributor for the Dogs with 30 disposals and a goal, alongside Will Hayes 27, Patrick Lipinski 23 and Nick Jamieson 21.
Footscray’s pressure around the ball forced turnovers from the Tigers, amassing 85 tackles compared to Werribee’s 35. Clay Smith and Liam Nash producing the most tackles for the Dog’s with 11 and 10 tackles respectively.
Anthony Bruhn secured the first goal of the game five minutes into the opening, which turned out to be the first of many for the powerhouse forward.
Footscray went on to kick another two goals for the opening term, but a late Werribee goal brought the margin back to nine points.
Werribee started with the momentum in the second term, the dogs getting out-run by the fast paced Tigers outfit.
However goals by Anthony Bruhn and Declan Hamilton helped get the Dogs out to a 15-point lead. Matthew Boyd held strong up back with an impressive 12 disposals for the quarter.
Three quarter time saw a similar start to the second, with a two-goal jump start to Werribee that reduced the margin to under a goal.
It seemed goals were coming in pairs, with two quick goals from the Dogs followed by another two for the Tigers.
It was then that Footscray increased their intensity, kicking the last four majors of the third term and extending their lead to 28 points.
It was a six goal to four third quarter by Footscray with a number of players getting involved in the goal kicking including Lukas Webb, Liam Nash and Billy Gowers.
The Dogs held strong in the final term and secured the 24 point win that should see them secure a top 4 position on the ladder.
Footscray now turns its attention to their Round 11 Clash against Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday.
Footscray Bulldogs 3.6 (24) 5.10 (40) 11.12 (78) 13.17 (95)
Werribee Tigers 2.4 (16) 3.7 (25) 7.8 (50) 10.11 (71)
Best Players: K. Collins, M. Boyd, L. Nash, W. Hayes, F. Roberts, T. English
Goalkickers: A. Bruhn 4, L. Nash 2, D. Hamilton, P. Lipinski, C. Smith, A. Tashveski-Beckwith, L. Webb, B. Gowers, N. Mullenger-McHugh
