Footscray have closed the season with a second triple-figure win in as many games after a 116-point avalanche against GWS at Blacktown on Saturday afternoon.
Looking to back up their last game and close the season strong, a rampant Bulldogs outfit fired from start to finish as they recorded a commanding 6.4 (40) to 23.18 (156) victory over the Giants.
The Dogs picked up where they left off from their triple-figure win against Coburg the weekend prior, kicking the first four goals of the game.
The Giants pegged one back late, but it was watertight defence creating strong rebounding opportunities which the forwards capitalised on.
Four set shots were converted as the forward 50 enjoyed an array of space, leading by 22 points at the first change.
The proverbial rage was not just maintained, but increased as the red, white, and blue piled on six goals to take a 51-point lead at the main break.
The tag team of Josh Schache and Mitch Hannan started to cause headaches, with the latter creating a different dynamic as a second marking option having been swung around since his return.
He looked dangerous close and far from goal, as Schache spent more time in the ruck with the absence of Stef Martin, hurting the Giants with his mobility and aerial prowess.
It was simply an avalanche in the third quarter, with two goals coming inside the first two minutes, and a further six making it a 96-point difference heading into the final term.
The Dogs were well structured behind the ball and clean moving inside 50 to spread the share of goals around.
Hoping to do better than their last game, the Bulldogs kept the foot on the pedal and ended up winning by 116 points, ending the season with two massive wins.
Perhaps most impressive was their ability to find easier shots and convert, led from the front by the forwards.
Schache’s final three quarters were simply elite as he ended with seven goals, 24 disposals, and nine marks, proving to be a versatile option as a pinch-hitting ruck with his abilities around the ground.
Anthony Scott managed four goals in a strong 23-disposal game, while Hannan and Cody Raak were other multiple goal-kickers forward of the ball.
Toby McLean (33 disposals, nine clearances) and Riley Garcia (one goal, 16 disposals) were dominant around the middle of the ground having solid contributions both inside and outside.
Meanwhile, skipper Lachie Sullivan was as clinical as always as he looks ahead towards next season with 30 disposals, 11 clearances, and a goal.
Behind the ball, Alex Keath and Buku Khamis held down the fort, while the likes of Louis Butler, Luke Cleary, Nathan Drummond, and Jarrod Gilbee were relentless with their rebounding efforts.
Jordon Sweet won the hit-out battle with 29 hit-outs and a goal, while a raft of contributors in each third of the ground helped the ‘Scray to finish the season on a high.
Around the ground, Footscray was +171 in disposals, +59 in marks, +40 with inside 50s, and +31 in scoring shots.
Footscray has ended the season 9-9, winning seven of the last 10 games with an average winning margin of 46 points.
MATCH DETAILS
GWS Giants 1.0 3.1 4.3 6.4 (40)
Footscray 4.4 10.10 18.15 23.18 (156)
Goals: Schache 7, Scott 4, Hannan 2, Raak 2, Ballantyne, Garcia, McNeil, Bromell, Craig-Peters, Sullivan, Sweet, Jones