The Footscray Bulldogs were defeated by the Werribee Tigers in a Mother’s Day match-up on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a five-goal surge in the final quarter, the Bulldogs were ultimately overpowered by the Tigers in the 8.9 (57) to 13.13 (91) affair.

The Tigers’ defensive backline was hard to crack in the opening term, with Luke Goater being the first to break through for the ‘Scray.

An arm wrestle saw a difficult contest in the second quarter as Werribee dominated possession.

However, it was Goater who struck again to kick his second and bring the Bulldogs within a one-goal ball game.

Fresh out of the main break, Buku Khamis landed a major from an inside-50 set shot, but the Bulldogs were unable to effectively convert their next chances.

The final term saw Footscray double their score with three goals in three minutes, as Rhylee West, Jordon Sweet and Ewan Macpherson each capitalised on the scoreboard.

A blistering sequence from Khamis saw two goals in two minutes, and it was beginning to look like a classic come-from-behind tale before Werribee managed to wrestle back possession to kick away to a 34-point margin. 

Sweet was dominant in the ruck and effective in his defensive efforts, leading the stat sheet with 55 hit-outs.

Khamis looked right at home in the forward half, finishing three goals.

Continuing the senior talent was West kicking one goal from 13 disposals and Mitch Hannan collecting 11 disposals, while recording 7 tackles apiece.

Macpherson also impressed, bagging 23 disposals, eight clearances and one goal.

Upon his return into the side, Luke Cleary collected 19 touches along with Tim O’Brien respectively.

Next in line was Jedd Busslinger totalling 18 disposals for the day.

Footscray will recharge with a bye this week, before heading on the road to take on the Gold Coast Suns at TIO Stadium on Saturday 27 May at 3:30pm.

FOOTSCRAY   1.2   2.4    3.7   8.9 (57)
WERRIBEE    2.5   4.11   9.12   13.13 (91)

Goals: Khamis 3, Goater 2, West, Sweet, Macpherson