The Footscray Bulldogs registered their ninth-consecutive win by defeating the Box Hill Hawks by 20 points on Saturday afternoon.
Wet and slippery conditions were challenging but did not threaten the sterling form of the red, white, and blue in the 8.8 (56) to 11.10 (76) affair.
Cody Raak opened the Bulldogs’ account, reflecting the team’s efforts on the board early.
One major apiece from Ethan Hunt, Caleb Lewis and Jordon Sweet assisted the Dogs in stabilising a 13-point lead ahead of the first change.
The Hawks were first to score in the second term, although an instant response from Jarrod Gilbee halted the hosts’ momentum.
The rain perpetuated through play as both sides struggled to efficiently hit targets, which ultimately staggered second-term momentum.
The Dogs extended a 20-point lead in the mud-infused third quarter by courtesy of Cooper Craig-Peters and Sam Wiloughby.
The Hawks initiated a comeback, but the Bulldogs insisted their commanding lead.
Captain Lachie Sullivan dribbled a crucial major and Charlie MacIsaac nailed a set shot to wrap up the scoring for the ‘Scray’s ninth consecutive victory.
Delivering the senior-listed talent, Toby McLean totalled 29 touches, nine clearances, five tackles and one goal.
In his first game back since injury, Hayden Crozier did not disappoint totalling 20 touches, while Jordon Sweet accounted for 52 hit outs and nine clearances.
In great effort for slippery conditions, captain Sullivan recorded 29 touches, seven clearances, five tackles and one goal.
Ewan Macpherson impressed with 26 touches, six clearances and four tackles, meanwhile Nathan Drummond recorded 22 touches and Daniel Orgill landed nine tackles.
Footscray will look to finish their season on a high and keep their nine-game winning streak alive when they take on Port Melbourne at DSV Stadium (Williamstown) on Saturday at 12.05pm.
BOX HILL 2.2 4.5 6.7 8.8 (56)
FOOTSCRAY 4.3 6.5 8.8 11.10 (76)
Goals: McNeil 2, Willoughby, Sullivan, Raak, McLean, MacIsaac, Lewis, Hunt, Gilbee, Craig-Peters.
