The Footscray Bulldogs went down in a Saturday midday classic against Southport at ETU Stadium.

Footscray opened the match looking promising as the battle progressed into a one-point ball game at the half, although the Sharks were too strong in the final term kicking away 10.16 (76) to 15.12 (102).  

Senior-listed player Sam Darcy nailed the opening set shot to kick the primary major of the game. Luke Goater promptly followed kicking his first, putting the Dogs in front by 12 within the first five minutes.

The opening majors continued as Caleb Poulter kicked his first, followed by the AFL-listed Rhylee West booting an explosive goal to hint it could be a thriller. 

Entering the second term, Josh Patullo kicked his first VFL goal in the red, white and blue colours.

Although, the Sharks responded kicking three unanswered goals to bring the game to a one-point margin.

Jamieson Ballyntyne paired a brilliant mark with a major on the scoreboard, but the Sharks insisted on making this game a one-point classic.

Opening the third term, Poulter impressed snapping from the boundary line to kick his second.

To join the multiple goal-scorers list, Goater slotted the Sherrin between the sticks right out the back of a goal-square scuffle.

He wasn’t finished yet, striking from the 50-metre mark to bring the Dogs within three points ahead of the final siren.

The ‘Scray maintained pressure right down to the wire but ultimately it was their goal-kicking that let them down, kicking eight consecutive behinds in the final quarter. 

Darcy did not waiver with his efforts, hitting the scoreboard twice while totalling 11 touches and four marks.

West kicked one goal from 14 touches, while Jordon Sweet looked right at home in the ruck contest collecting 40 hit-outs and seven tackles.

Captain of the ‘Scray Lachie Sullivan continued his stellar season, leading the team stat sheet with 28 disposals, 11 tackles and eight clearances.

Ewan Macpherson was impactful collecting 25 touches and landing eight tackles.

Making his red, white and blue debut, James O’Donnell achieved 15 touches and eight marks.

Goater finished the day strong with a season-high three goals, while Poulter recorded two as Patullo and Ballyntyne were the Bulldogs’ other contributors. 

Footscray will look to get back on the winners list when they host Carlton this Saturday at 11:05am at ETU Stadium.

FOOTSCRAY   4.2    6.4   10.8    10.16  (76) 

SOUTHPORT  2.2   6.3    10.11    15.12  (102)

Goals: Goater 3, Poulter 2, Darcy 2, West 1, Patullo 1, Ballantyne 1