A 13-point margin saw Footscray go down to GWS at Blacktown ISP on Saturday afternoon.
A tight tussle for much of the day, it was inefficient kicking ultimately allowing the home side to run away victors in the 15.7 (97) to 12.12 (84) contest.
In the opening term, the Dogs dominated the forward half but could not reflect their efforts on the scoreboard.
The AFL talent was prominent with Mitch Hannan snapping a major for the ‘Scray within the first three minutes.
Upon the Giants response, Robbie McComb secured the set shot to level the scores.
A kick across the corridor saw Josh Patullo win the inside 50 marking contest and score the first major of the second term.
Captain of the ‘Scray, Lachie Sullivan read a congested bit of play beautifully to storm through the goal square and put the Dogs in front on the scoreboard.
Caleb Poulter kicked a marvellous goal from the inside pocket to join the matches' goal-scorer list.
A swift centre clearance found Buku Khamis, winning the contest to kick his first for the day and answer the Giants' three in a row.
Khamis continued to impress, opening the third term with a much-needed major to bring the Bulldogs within a 21-point margin.
Play was kick-to-kick as the Giants began to gain the upper-hand.
Deep inside the forward pocket, Hannan kicked his second explosive goal to conclude the third term, but the Bulldogs entered the final quarter trailing by 41-points.
Despite the deficit, Luke Goater, Rhylee West, Khamis and Hannan kicked the remaining four goals of the match to bring the Dogs close to striking distance.
Making their return from injuries, Hayden Crozier impressed by bagging 26 touches, followed by Robbie McComb totalling 19 touches and one goal.
Rhylee West was instrumental across the field landing five tackles, six clearances, 18 touches and one goal.
The senior-listed talent continued with Toby McLean totalling 25 touches and five clearances and Jordon Sweet collecting 22 hit outs.
Meanwhile Khamis was a stand-out recording four goals, with Hannan being Footscray's other multiple goal scorer with two goals.
Sullivan impressed as usual bagging 26 touches, four clearances and one goal.
The Bulldogs plan to pick up momentum when they play the Werribee Tigers next Sunday 14 May at 2:05pm at Avalon Airport Oval.
GWS 3.2 10.3 15.5 15.7 (97)
FOOTSCRAY 2.3 6.6 8.8 12.12 (84)
Goals: Khamis 4, Hannan 2, West, Sullivan, Poulter, Patullo, McComb, Goater.
