Dale Morris has emerged unscathed from his comeback game, playing a key role in Footscray’s 49-point victory over an in-form Port Melbourne at a rain-soaked Adcon Stadium.

Morris picked up 11 touches, took four marks and recorded three tackles, one of those a desperate rundown of Port Melbourne’s big man Tom Goodwin midway through the third quarter.

Toby McLean had the most influence of any player on the ground and enhanced his chance of a senior recall with 30 disposals and two goals.

Ben Cavarra also put in a standout performance, booting four goals in the slippery conditions.  His back-to-back goals in under two minutes helped shift the momentum for the Bulldogs in the second term.

Jordon Sweet got better as the game wore on and won the battle in the ruck against Goodwin, registering 60 hit outs to 48.

Port Melbourne made the most of their opportunities in front of goal in the first quarter, where they led 22-9 at quarter time.

The Borough’s lead stretched out to 25 points midway through the second term, before McLean and Cavarra helped the Bulldogs kick four straight majors to take the lead at the main break.

The Dogs’ defensive pressure kept Port Melbourne goal less from the 14th minute of the second quarter until midway of the fourth as they ran away with the four points.

Footscray takes on ladder-leader Richmond at VU Whitten Oval next Saturday.

MATCH DETAILS

Port Melbourne               3.4          5.6          5.7          8.10 (58)

Footscray                           1.3          5.8          9.15        15.17 (107)

GOALS

Port Melbourne: Lisle 3, Johnstone 2, Templeton, Krakauer, Pearson

Footscray: Cavarra 4, McLean 2, Scott 2, McComb, Gleeson, Roberts, Nash, Hayes, William, Sullivan

BEST

Footscray: McLean, Cavarra, Sweet, Scott, Wallis, Lynch