The Western Bulldogs produced a stunning second-half turnaround to claim a seven-point win over North Melbourne on Sunday.
The Dogs trailed by 28-points at half-time, but kicked nine goals to three after the main break on their way to a 13.14 (92) to 12.13 (85) victory.
In a season where the Dogs have often failed to hit the scoreboard in the second half, their third quarter was exceptional.
The Dogs were aided by eight individual goalkickers in the third term to set up their second win on the trot.
The numbers
For the first time in Club history, three players amassed 40 or more disposals in a single game – Lachie Hunter (44), Caleb Daniel (40) and Jack Macrae (40).
Marcus Bontempelli gathered 35 disposals to go with two goals, four clearances and seven inside 50s, and joined Billy Gowers as the Club’s leading goalkicker for the season (22).
Hayden Crozier (24) and Jason Johannisen (24) offered drive off half back, and Jackson Trengove amassed 20 hitouts and 21 touches.
Josh Dunkley continued his purple patch as an inside midfielder – he has averaged 26 disposals per game since Round 14.
You can quote me on that
“The boys are showing a lot of character. It shows our spirit's there.
“We're trying to build some experiences that are going to hold us in good stead in the future and today’s definitely a great experience.”
“It was a great effort to hold on especially (considering we were down) at half time.
“It’s been no secret that we’ve struggled in the second half (this season), so it was great to turn that around and see some boys step up in really crucial moments.”
VFL + VFLW
Despite falling 20-points short of North Melbourne at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday afternoon, Footscray have maintained their spot in the VFL top eight with two rounds of the home and away season remaining.
North Melbourne took a lead into each break and despite some promising passages of play, the Bulldogs failed to wrestle the ascendancy back.
Mitch Honeychurch (26 disposals) and Angus Monfries kicked three goals each for the ‘Scray and Tom Campbell and Tim English combined for 92 hit-outs in the 16.15 (111) to 12.19 (91) loss.
In the VFLW, the Western Bulldogs couldn’t overcome a rampant Hawthorn side, who claimed a 55-point win at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Bailey Hunt kicked the first goal of the match for the Bulldogs but the Hawks dominated thereafter, running out 11.13 (79) to 4.0 (24) winners.
Up next
In the AFL, the Western Bulldogs face Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday at 1.10pm, where they’ll be shooting for three wins in a row.
Footscray will take on Essendon at Windy Hill on Saturday at 12pm in a crucial VFL encounter, while in the VFLW the Bulldogs will host Melbourne University at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday at 2pm.
