Footscray are back on the winners list after recording a thrilling five-point victory over Carlton at ETU Stadium.
The Bulldogs hosted the Blues in the fiery battle, overrunning the visitors 9.15 (69) to 9.10 (64) to record their second win of the 2023 VFL season.
Footscray were quick to draw first blood in the match, with Luke Goater kicking his first major from an inside 50 set-shot.
A 50-metre penalty led to Rhylee West adding to the scoreboard, followed by Cooper Craig-Peters joining the first term goal-scorer list.
A clean passage from skipper Lachie Sullivan resulted in Caleb Poulter snapping a snag to bring the ‘Scray out to a four-goal lead.
Opening the second term, the Blues were first to score, although Josh Patullo showed a quick response bagging his first major for the morning.
A free kick to senior-listed player Buku Khamis allowed the Bulldogs to triumph two in a row on the scoreboard.
The AFL talent continued with Mitch Hannan reminding us of his full-forward abilities, pinning a set shot.
Continuing his first year in red, white and blue colours, Charlie Clarke stormed a major through the goal-square to become the Bulldogs seventh individual goal-scorer for the day.
The third term was more of an arm wrestle, with only Hannan hitting the scoreboard for the Dogs.
A back-and-forth possession battle opened the final term as the Blues kicked two in a row to come within three points.
Despite the thrilling final minutes of play, the Dogs held out to claim victors.
The AFL talent was unmistakeable as Hannan became a stand-out as the game’s only multiple goal scorer with two majors from 14 touches.
Mopping up in defence, Ryan Gardner found plenty of opportunities bagging 17 touches and 11 marks.
Sam Darcy wasn’t far behind his defensive efforts with 14 touches and 13 hit outs.
Captain Lachie Sullivan was instrumental with some goal assists and pivotal clearances, collecting a game-high 34 disposals and 12 clearances.
Caleb Poulter continues to put up solid performances in the centre, recording 26 touches and one goal, while Luke Cleary found his spot in the half-forward line totalling 22 touches.
The Bulldogs head across the border to take on the GWS Giants at Blacktown ISP, at 12:35pm next Saturday.
FOOTSCRAY 4.3 8.5 9.10 9.15 (69)
CARLTON 2.3 4.5 5.8 9.10 (64)
Goals: Hannan 2, West, Poulter, Patullo, Khamis, Goater, Craig-Peters, Clarke.
