The Footscray Bulldogs leave the 2016 pre-season behind undefeated after finishing their fourth practice match 131-point victors over Werribee on Saturday afternoon at Victoria University Whitten Oval.
It was overcast on the day but the rain held off with just a slight breeze favouring the Barkly St end.
Footscray came out snarling putting nine goals on the scoreboard before the first break, Bailey Dale booting three, Nick Jamieson and Tom Campbell getting two each early.
The goals didn’t stop for this trio with Dale tallying up seven for the match, while Jamieson, Campbell and Redpath finished with four goals each.
With over 50 shots on goal, Footscray finished 28.22.(190) to 9.5 (59) victors, with coach Ashley Hansen already looking forward to next weekend’s season opener against the Northern Blues.
“Today was our dress rehearsal for round one and I challenged the players to really have a high level of attention to detail because how we played today and the behaviours we have we want to translate into next week.
“The guys are jumping to have the opportunity to sing the song after a win and play for points as the season starts officially.”
“‘I couldn’t be happier with our preparation going into round one.”
Second year Bulldog Bailey Dale was impressive for the home-side, named best on ground on the back of his seven goal game.
“He was just outstanding,’ Hansen told westernbulldogs.com.au.
“He set the tone really early for us, he worked really hard to get to some great spots.
“He used the footy well, played a variety of roles for us within the game which just shows his flexibility.’
The ‘Scray will be back at Victoria University Whitten Oval next Sunday 10 April taking on the Northern Blues at 11:00am in their opening round clash of the 2016 VFL Season.
Footscray Bulldogs 9.3 15.5 24.13 28.22 (190)
Werribee Tigers 3.1 7.4 8.4 9.5 (59)
Best: Dale, Jong, Prudden, Campbell, Jamieson, Webb
Goals: Dale 7, Campbell 4, Jamieson 4, Redpath 4, Wallis 2, Hamilton, Dalgliesh, Taschevski-Beckwith, Honeychurch, Webb, Minson, Hannan.
Disposals: Webb 28, Honeychurch 27, Dale 25, Hamilton 24, Jong 23, Campbell 21, Redpath & Jamieson 20, Greenwood 19
