Footscray Bulldogs are one step closer to securing a top-two finish after a hard-fought 27-point victory against Casey Scorpions on Sunday.
Aided by a strong breeze, the Bulldogs gained control early in the first term and dominated play inside forward 50, opening up a three goal lead at the first break.
Casey fought back in the second quarter with nine shots on goal — hitting the lead in extra time and entering the rooms at half time with their noses in front.
Ayce Cordy and Will Hayes set the tone in the third term with two quick goals, allowing them to recover the lead and begin a dominant patch of 20 inside 50s to the Scorpions one.
Redpath provided a great option up forward kicking his third goal of the match, before Jones was rewarded for hishard work with a goal of his own.
Entering the final term with a 29 point buffer, Case found their first goal at the four and a half minute mark, kicking with the wind, and with it some momentum.
The Bulldogs held firm for the remainder of the quarter however, running our 27 point winners in a highly contested game.
Fletcher Roberts wore highly touted Melbourne prospect Jesse Hogan like a glove keeping him goalless despite repeat attempts.
Development Manager Chris Maple also praised Jong and Nick Lower, who were a driving force through the Bulldogs midfield, alongside the Bulldogs forwards who worked hard all day.
“The boys came out to play after third time I thought, Ayce Cordy really made a difference in the third quarter,” Maple said.
“Lin Jong was outstanding, he was super this week, he came to play – him and Nick Lower were very strong around the contest… while Jase Perkins played a different role today and did quite well.
“I thought others Like Jack Redpath up forward, Dickson was quite solid and Christian Howard running through the lines was probably one of the few that cleared space for us.”
FULL TIME: Footscray Bulldogs 12. 10. (82) defeat Casey Scorpions 8. 7. (55)
Goals: Redpath 3, Jong 2, Tutt, Dickson, Jones, Cordy, Iaccarino, W Hayes, Jamieson
Best players: Jong, Lower, Tutt, Redpath, Perkins, Howard, Jones
