The Footscray Bulldogs have triumphed over GWS by 17 points in their 2024 VFL season opener at Mission Whitten Oval on Sunday.

It was a thrilling game with the Dogs making an epic comeback in the final quarter after struggling to convert crucial opportunities in the second and third.

With an 8.10 (58) to 11.9 (75) score line at the final break, it was Charlie Clarke who got things going in the fourth  

Riley Garcia then quickly launched Footscray into a two-point lead with back-to-back goals. 

But the magic didn’t stop there, with Phoenix Spicer and Rory Lobb kicking their third and fourth goals respectively to cement the winning lead.

The roster featured a notable AFL-listed line-up, but all eyes were on Jack Macrae’s stellar performance - which included 47 disposals, 17 clearances and four tackles. 

Other standouts included Lobb leading the goal-scoring tally (four) and Garcia's 41 disposals and seven tackles.

The Bulldogs will look to go back-to-back when they meet Casey Demons at Casey Fields from 2.05pm on Saturday, 30th of March.

FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS: 4.4 7.6 8.10 14.14 (98)

GWS GIANTS: 2.2 8.6 11.9 12.9 (81)

Goals: Lobb 4, Spicer 3, Garcia 2, Bedendo, Clarke, Craig-Peters, Jones, Stretton