Footscray have recorded their 10th consecutive win in the final round of the home-and-away season, defeating Port Melbourne by 12 goals on Saturday afternoon.
A slow yet steady start from the ‘Scray saw a bolstering six goal performance in the third term, which set a commanding lead in the 16.11 (107) to 4.11 (35) affair at DSV Stadium.
Kicking the opener for the day was Toby McLean, whose stellar match-performance had just begun.
Quality majors from Cody Raak and Riley Garcia assisted in holding the Borough scoreless, while a goal on the siren by McLean extended the Dogs' lead to 27-points at the first change.
A slight breeze interrupted the convertibility of Buku Khamis’ initial attempts on goal, but being at the opposite end of the field in the second quarter allowed him to slot two pearlers of highlight-reel quality.
The Bulldogs' efforts were reflected in their imperious lead, with a quick passage of play allowing Charlie Clarke to run a major through an open goal.
Luke Goater kicked the first goal for the third term, followed by Lachie Sullivan who slotted one through to stretch his side's lead to a 50-point margin.
Despite the Borough’s endeavoured response, the ‘Scray were smothering - as Goater scored again and Jordon Sweet added his piece from the ruck.
Khamis registered his third and Goater booted a running major from the boundary line to conclude the goal-bolstering quarter.
The Dogs pranced home as majors from Garcia, Raak and Khamis sweetened the ‘Scray's 10th consecutive win.
The senior-listed talent was riddled in the side, with Hayden Crozier recording a match-high 30 touches.
McLean followed with 29 touches, 12 clearances, nine tackles and two goals.
Luke Cleary impressed with 26 touches and 13 marks, and Tim O’Brien recorded 20 disposals.
Khamis finished with four goals from 14 touches, while Sweet continued his impressive form with 53 hit outs, nine tackles and 18 touches.
Captain Sullivan totalled 28 touches, five clearances and one goal.
The win moves Footscray into sixth position on the ladder as of Saturday night, needing Brisbane to defeat Casey to automatically qualify for the 2023 VFL Finals Series.
If they slip to seventh, the 'Scray will fight for their finals spot in the newly-introduced Wildcard Round next week.
FOOTSCRAY 4.4 7.6 13.9 16.11 (107)
PORT MELBOURNE 0.1 1.6 2.7 4.11 (35)
Goals: Khamis 4, Goater 3, Raak 2, McLean 2, Garcia 2, Sweet, Sullivan, Clarke
