The Footscray Bulldogs have secured another win, defeating the Northern Blues by six points helped by three second quarter goals from Fletcher Roberts, on Saturday at Ikon Park.

After a powerful first half, the Dogs fought to claim the narrow victory over the home side, after the Blues made a charge in the third term and almost caused an upset.

Roberts was particularly influential, collecting 12 disposals and kicking three of the Dogs’ ten, while co-captain Angus Monfries complemented Roberts’ efforts in the forward line, booting one major of his own.

Ruckman Jordan Roughead enjoyed a strong game, claiming 40 hitouts, one goal and seven tackles, while Fergus Greene (9 disposals, seven marks) and Nathan Mullenger-McHugh (11 disposals, two tackles) were a handy pair in the forward line for a second week running, booting a goal each.

Will Hayes (31 disposals, five tackles), Mitch Honeychurch (16 disposals, five tackles) and Callum Porter (13 disposals, five tackles) were dynamic in the midfield, while Kieran Collins (15 disposals, nine marks) held strong in defence, taking two all-important marks in the final term to help seal the game.

The Dogs head back to Etihad Stadium next week to take on Box Hill at 3:20pm, before the Western Bulldogs home game against Hawthorn.

Footscray: 3.3  7.5  7.6  10.11 (71)

Northern Blues: 2.2  5.3  8.4  10.5 (65)

Best: Hayes, Collins, Roberts, Porter, Dalgleish

Goals: Roberts 3, Greene, Mullenger-McHugh, Monfries, Wallis, Roughead, William 1

Disposals: Hayes 31, William 22, Smith 18, Greenwood 17, Collins 15