The Footscray Bulldogs got back on the winners list against Box Hill at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon, with a commanding 48-point victory.

A punishing 10-goal-to-two first half set the tone and separated the two sides as the Bulldogs enjoyed a comprehensive 14.10 (94) to 6.10 (46) win.

Toby McLean enjoyed a solid return game from his ACL injury, playing the match out and collecting 18 disposals, two goals and five clearances.

Footscray came out all guns blazing in the first term to take a five-goal lead into the first change despite kicking into a tricky breeze at the Barkly Street end.

A huge mark and goal from Roarke Smith kickstarted the Dogs’ dominance as they controlled possession, field position, and stoppages for the remainder of the term.

The rage was well and truly maintained in the second quarter as a further five goals were piled on by the red, white, and blue to extend the lead to more than 10 goals at one stage.

Two late goals to Box Hill brought the margin back to 49 points at the main change, with the visitors ramping up the pressure to begin the third term. 

They managed to get a couple of goals back, before Footscray stabilised, buoyed by a McLean goal.

It was a 40-point lead at the final change which would only be extended as the margin stood at 48 points at the final siren. 

Sam Darcy started the game on fire, spending a lot more time as the primary ruck while looking dangerous in the many one-on-one situations he enjoyed inside forward 50.

He finished with 17 disposals, 20 hit outs, four clearances, four tackles and four marks.

Buku Khamis provided headaches for the Box Hill defence as he managed three goals, as did skipper Lachie Sullivan to go with his 25 disposals, seven tackles, three goals and seven clearances.

Lachie Hunter’s class was again on display for Footscray through his composed 26 disposals, seven marks, six tackles and six clearances.

Looking stronger each week in his wing post was Dom Bedendo (20 disposals, six marks, one goal) who provided good rebounding options, while looking equally dangerous setting up behind the ball with his aerial prowess.

Zaine Cordy was a strong performer in defence and was joined by Jarrod Gilbee (20 disposals, 10 marks) and Joel Garner (16 disposals, six marks), whose reliability exiting defensive 50 was a key pillar in the first-half dominance.

Riley Garcia (21 disposals, three clearances) was strong and tidy in congestion, while Josh Kellett put in some solid defensive efforts to go with his 18 disposals and 11 marks.

Footscray will head north to take on the Brisbane Lions at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex on Friday 1 July, at 12:05pm.

MATCH DETAILS

Footscray    5.2   10.5   11.6   14.10 (94)
Box Hill       0.2   2.4     4.8     6.10 (46)

Goals: Khamis 3, Sullivan 3, McLean 2, Bedendo, Hodge, Lewis, Jones, Macpherson, Smith.