The ‘Scray came out snarling against cross-town rivals Werribee on Sunday afternoon, a fast start setting up a big win at Avalon Airport Oval.
The Bulldogs kicked a goal inside the first minute and took a 27-point lead into the first change.
The lead extended to 44 by the halftime after a four goal to two second quarter, Footscray coach Ashley Hansen praising his team’s first half effort.
“Our first half was really instrumental in setting up the win,” he told westernbulldogs.com.au post-match.
“I thought the way we used the ball, our pressure at the source and our ability to win the territory battle from stoppage was really important and we took our opportunities early.’
The Dogs would eventually skip-away to win by 63-points on the back of strong performances from Jed Adcock and a host of players returning from injury.
‘They (Mitch Honeychurch, Bailey Williams, Tom Campbell & Lauchie Dalgleish) certainly gave us a spark, Hansen said.
“They were highly energized, which was a credit to our rehab and medical staff for getting them prepared to come in and not only play a role but really contribute strongly.
“I thought Tommy Campbell’s hands in particular were really good and he was a threat up forward in limited game time.”
Honeychurch finished the day with 35 disposals, 7 tackles and a goal, while Williams had 20 disposals.
Ruckman Campbell racked up 10 touches and kicked two goals of his own.
Hansen also had some positive words for the performance of Jake Stringer who split his time between the midfield and up forward.
“I think for him to be credited with 9 tackles and 21 possessions certainly showed how he worked his way into the game.
“I thought he was really unselfish with his ball use and he integrated into the side which was important.
“I thought the way he acquitted himself was really good.”
The victory places the Bulldogs in good stead heading into next week’s final game of the home and away season against an in-form Collingwood, winners of 12-straight.
‘It’s a fantastic challenge.’ Hansen said.
‘It’s the perfect lead in to our first finals game, to play a side like Collingwood who are going really well, but we don’t fear anyone so we’ll be meeting them head on and we’ll see what we can produce.’
The Bulldogs play Collingwood at Victoria University Whitten Oval, 12pm, Saturday 27 August.
Footscray 5.3 9.11 13.16 18.19 (127)
Werribee 1.0 3.2 5.4 9.10 (64)
Best: Adcock, Honeychurch, Williams, Dalgleish, Minson, Hamilton
Goals: Long 3, Hamilton Minson Jamieson Campbell 2, Honeychurch Dale Greenwood Adcock Stringer Hannan Dalgleish
