Footscray completed their home and away season in emphatic fashion, ending top-of-the-table Collingwood’s 12-game winning streak, with a 32-point victory at Victoria University Whitten Oval.
The win was set-up with a six goals to one second quarter, turning a 21-point quarter time deficit into an eight point advantage at the main break.
In blustery conditions at VU Whitten Oval, the Bulldogs capitalized on their time kicking with the wind, slotting 12 majors compared to Collingwood’s seven when they were kicking to the favoured Geelong Road end.
With the Dogs and Magpies managing four and three goals respectively against the wind, it was the time spent kicking with the wind that ultimately determined the result.
“For our boys to rally after a slow start and identify and correct behaviours that were hurting us in the first quarter, was a real credit to the team and the spirit of the group,” coach Ashley Hansen told westernbulldogs.com.au post match.
“Denying the supply to their forward half was a big focus and [also] us being really strong in the contest.
“I didn’t think we were great early but we certainly built on that and today was such good preparation for what’s going to come up in the next month, because finals football is about critical contests.”
The final term saw a flurry of Dogs goals to extend the lead, including two to Bailey Dale who was named best on ground.
Dale finished with three goals for the game and 20 disposals.
Senior listed Bulldogs Jed Adcock and Jake Stringer were also named among Footscray’s best, along with Mitch Hannan, Nick Jamieson and Jordan Staley.
Stringer kicked the Dogs’ first goal of the match and finished with 22 disposals for the game, sharing his time between the midfield and forward of the ball.
Footscray currently sit in fourth place on the VFL ladder, and will be looking for a Geelong win over Port Melbourne tomorrow to ensure they retain the double chance in September.
With the ‘Scray’s depth tested throughout the season, coach Hansen was pleased with the momentum his side had built heading into September.
“Their ability, individually and collectively, to play their role for the side when called upon has really pleased me this season.
“We’ve certainly given everyone on our list an opportunity to play at one point and they’ve all contributed to where we’ve finished.
“You certainly don’t go through a home and away season without calling on everyone and we had to do that this year through the health of our list and the guys have delivered.
“The squad as a whole should be really proud of their efforts to put us in a position where we’re either finishing fourth or fifth so I’m really pleased with that.”
Tom Campbell was the only concern for the Bulldogs coming out of the match, leaving the field early in the first quarter after a knock to the head, and not returning for the remainder of the game
Details of Footscray’s VFL finals schedule will be posted at westernbulldogs.com.au/vfl following the conclusion of home and away season matches on Sunday.
Footscray 1.2 7.3 10.8 16.9 (105)
Collingwood 4.5 5.7 8.10 10.13 (73)
Best: Dale, Jamieson, Hannan, Adcock, Stringer, Staley
Goals: Dale 3, Hannan Austin Staley 2, Jamieson Stringer Lynch Hamilton Nash Long McLean
Disposals: Tashevski-Beckwith 24, Jamieson 23, Stringer 22, Russell 21, Barry 20, Dale 20
