Footscray’s four-game unbeaten streak has ended in heartbreaking fashion against Geelong at VU Whitten Oval on Sunday.
The Cats came from behind to snatch a one-point win in a scrappy, low-scoring affair which saw just nine goals scored between the two teams.
The Dogs led by eight points halfway through the final term, before Luke Smith goaled at the 17-minute mark, then scored the winning behind from a set shot with 31 minutes on the clock.
It was just the second loss in eight games for Footscray this season, which held its position in the top four ahead of the bye next week.
Rhylee West continued his strong form by winning a game-high 22 disposals, young midfielder Callum Porter won an equal season-best 20 possessions and applied a team-high five tackles and Lewis Young was productive with 20 disposals and six marks.
Footscray controlled the contest in the first half and built an 18-point advantage during the second quarter, before the Cats worked their way back into the game.
Just three goals were scored in the tense second half as the players came to grips with the conditions.
MATCH DETAILS
FOOTSCRAY 1.2 3.7 3.10 4.10.34
GEELONG 1.1 3.1 4.2 5.5.35
GOALKICKERS
Footscray: Drummond, Richards, Gleeson, Porter
Geelong: Buzza 2, Kennerley, Smith, Tsitas
LEADING DISPOSALS
Footscray: West 22, Porter 20, Wallis 20, Young 20, Smith 19, Vandermeer 19
Geelong: Guthrie 21, Tsitas 21, Selwood 20, Constable 19