An impressive nine goals to two second half, as seen Footscray return to the winners’ list with a 49-point win over Sandringham at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday afternoon.
In a commanding performance, the ‘Scray led at every change, with senior listed forwards Travis Cloke and Tory Dickson the leading goalkickers for the victors with three goals each.
Anthony Bruhn and Will Hayes both kicked two majors for the day, while Footscray also had an additional eight single goal kickers.
Bailey Williams was influential for the visitors in the win, collecting 25 disposals and kicking one goal playing off half-back, while first year Bulldog Pat Lipinski compiled one of his best games in the VFL ranks with and important 24 disposals.
Will Hayes and Nick Jamieson were prolific ball winners again, amassing 28 and 27 touches respectively to have a considerable impact on the game.
Lewis Young showcased his strong hands down back, amassing a team-high 10 marks, to go with 25 possessions.
The ‘Scray got off to a strong start, kicking six goals to two in the first term, including two goals from Travis Cloke in his return game, helping them charge into the first change with a 24-point lead.
Sandringham responded in the second term kicking six goals of their own, to Bulldogs three, to reduce the margin to eight points at the main break, the smallest of the game.
Footscray turned the screws in the third term, kicking three unanswered goals, courtesy of Lukas Webb, Nathan Mullenger-McHugh and Josh Prudden, to widen the margin to 27 points at the final change.
Sandringham were kept goalless in the third quarter, only registering the four behinds.
The ‘Scray carried the momentum into the final term, piling on the scoreboard pressure with six majors to the Zebras two goals, with Steve Grace’s side taking firm control of the contest, to runaway with a 49-point win.
The victory has Footscray return to the top-four on the VFL ladder, with a 7-5 win loss record for the season.
Next week will see Footscray will travel down the highway to Simonds Stadium next Saturday night to face the tenth placed Geelong.
Footscray Bulldogs 6.2 (38) 9.7 (61) 12.12 (84) 18.12 (120)
Sandringham 2.2 (14) 8.5 (53) 8.9 (57) 10.11 (71)
Goalkickers: T. Cloke 3, T. Dickson 3, A. Bruhn 2, W. Hayes 2, N. Mullenger-McHugh, B.Lynch, D.Hamilton, J.Prudden, L.Webb, L.Nash, M.Goodyear, B.Williams
Disposals: W.Hayes 28, N. Jamieson 27, B. Williams 25, L. Young 25, P. Lipinski 24, M. Goodyear 23, T. Cloke 22, J. Russell 21
Best Players: B. Williams, L. Nash, T. Cloke, L. Young, W. Hayes, P. Lipinski
