A dominant midfield display saw Footscray run away with a 26-point victory over Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday afternoon.
In the first meeting for premiership points between the two VFL sides out west since Round 7 2019, the Bulldogs recovered from a slow start to secure the Health West Cup, running away 9.4 (58) to 12.12 (84) victors.
The Bulldogs controlled the contest in the first quarter, having six more clearances and eight more inside 50s than Werribee, but couldn’t quite connect with the forwards as they managed just the one goal.
Breezy conditions ensured some tough shots on goal as the Tigers maximised their chances up the other end, leading by 18 points at the first change.
The connection troubles were rectified in the second quarter as the Bulldogs were much more effective connecting with their forwards, with three of the five goals coming from lead up marks inside 50.
Highlighting their efficiency was Jordon Sweet, who made the move forward permanently for the quarter, creating contests to prevent the intercept marking Werribee were early.
After several lead changes once the Dogs managed to hit the front, the red, white and blue took a three-point lead into the main break.
Dominating the territory for much of the game, the Dogs looked to burst open the dam wall with a string of impressive clearances and forward build ups, but couldn’t quite capitalise in front of goals.
Despite holding Werribee to just two scoring shots which came late, the ‘Scray kicked just one goal from their six shots, keeping the game at a tender seven-point difference heading into the last quarter.
The intensity stepped up a notch with the game on the line, with the difference being maintained after a goal each way, but it was the skipper Lachie Sullivan who broke through with a huge goal from the centre bounce clearance to make it a two-goal game.
An unbelievable finish from Arthur Jones soon after capped off a solid day for the forward, proving to be the dagger as Footscray ran away 26-point victors.
Sullivan led from the front all game and was important early as Werribee held the ascendancy, collecting 27 disposals, seven tackles, and seven clearances.
Joining him in the centre was Joel Garner who added some size and strength to negate the Tigers’ star midfielders, dominating the clearance count with 11 from his 26 disposals.
The dominance inside again started with Stef Martin and Sweet who were +38 in the hit out count, resulting in 29 more clearances, and 31 more inside 50s.
Cody Raak looked to have settled into his home up forward, looking dangerous both aerially and on the ground as he kicked three goals.
Showing similar work-rate to his day out against Geelong earlier in the year, Josh Schache finished with three goals including a beautiful set shot finish from the boundary.
Toby McLean showed plenty of grunt inside, while Lachie Hunter worked into his game in the second half, as did the returning Taylor Duryea who looked comfortable in his defensive post.
The defensive half was stacked with Alex Keath and Tim O’Brien who took 15 marks between them, but it was Sam Darcy who was not far behind the pair with 14 marks of his own.
Getting a run in each third this season, this was Darcy’s first game as a permanent back for a number of weeks, showing impressive persistence in the contest after a tough start with his direct opponent.
Austin Hodge was also impressive defensively with a number of strong contested wins (eight marks), while Dan Orgill (17 disposals, seven tackles) played a pivotal role in the midfield battle.
Footscray returns to VU Whitten Oval next week to face Coburg on Saturday 6 August at 12:05pm.
MATCH DETAILS
Werribee 4.1 6.1 7.2 9.4 (58)
Footscray 1.1 6.4 7.9 12.12 (84)
Goals: Schache 3, Raak 3, Sullivan 2, Bedendo, Smith, Sweet, Jones
