Four goals from developing forward Fergus Greene brightened an otherwise disappointing day for the Footscray Bulldogs, falling to the Casey Demons by 15 points on Sunday afternoon at Casey Fields.
Three first quarter goals from the 20-year-old Greene (12 disposals, five tackles) saw the Dogs take control early, before the Demons built on their momentum in the third quarter - keeping the visitors to a scoreless term and boosting the margin to 14 points at the final break.
A permanent shift forward in the final term saw Lewis Young (12 disposals, four marks) kick his second major of the day, before the home-side replied quickly to hold onto their lead. A late goal from Reuben William (12 disposals, three tackles) provided hope of a momentum shift for the ‘Scray but it wasn’t to be, the Demons emerging with the 15 point victory.
In his first game back from injury, midfielder Lukas Webb (21 disposals, one goal) begun to mount his case for a senior recall, while Callum Porter (18 disposals, eight tackles) showed impressive signs in the midfield and forward line, booting a crucial second quarter goal.
Developing ruckman Tim English was the Dogs' sole ruckman, getting his hand on 44 hit-outs.
The Bulldogs head to Williamstown Football Ground next Saturday at 2pm to take on the Williamstown Seagulls. The game will be broadcast on Channel 7.
Footscray: 3.1 9.4 9.4 11.7 (73)
Casey: 4.1 6.2 11.6 13.10 (88)
Best: F Greene, L Webb, C Porter, B Olsson, L Sullivan, W Hayes
Goals: F Greene 4, L Young 2, R William, L Smith, L Webb, C Porter, N Hamad 1
Disposals: W Hayes 28, L Webb 21, C Porter 18, L Sullivan 15, A Monfries 14