A six goal opening quarter set the tone for the Footscray Bulldogs’ fifth consecutive win on Sunday, running out 45 point victors against a determined Collingwood outfit.
The Bulldogs followed through on their strong start at Victoria Park, finishing the match 17. 12. (114) over Collingwood 10. 9. (69) and never looked in doubt.
Development Manager Chris Maple said Footscray took control of an undermanned Magpies team in the first and final terms but there was still room for improvement in their performance.
“The first quarter started really well, our big forwards were dominant, the midfield was on top and it was good,” Maple said.
“Our second quarter we probably went away from how we wanted to play, how we wanted to set the ground up.
“The last quarter the boys really put their foot down and cleared space well and ran the football and scored off the back of that.”
Both sides showed their desperation around the contest but Maple said Footscray competed well against Collingwood’s skilled midfield and can walk away with their heads held high.
“It was pretty even, Collingwood had a really good little group of midfielders, they also packed the stoppages up a bit so it got a bit messy at times but we held our own in that,” he said.
“We knew that they were number one at hard ball gets so we wanted that mantle, the boys did well at it.”
Lachie Hunter put in a best on ground performance as he continues to work towards a senior recall, while the Bulldogs continued to rely on a balanced contribution across the board.
“Lachie Hunter was outstanding, he had 33 possessions and kicked two goals,” he said.
“Brett Goodes was really good inside with Nick Lower and then Jordan Russell controlled the back with Sam Darley.
“I thought Tom Campbell and Jack Redpath and Jason Johannisen were really dangerous and Lin Jong played his role really well.
“The biggest takeaway is probably just the marking power up front when Redpath, Campbell and Cordy get their bodies in front and play in front they are really hard to beat.”
The emerging depth in the Bulldogs continues to impress and Maple said the senior side would not be lacking in options for senior selection in the coming weeks.
“It’s the whole reason that we have our team, is to prep them up to play AFL footy,” he said.
“With a bit of luck Lachie Hunter, Mitch Honeychurch and Sam Darley can get a run at it after pressing for selection.”
Collingwood 10. 9. (69) defeated by Western Bulldogs 17. 12. (114)
COLLINGWOOD
Goal Kickers: L. Ferguson 3, T. Allan 2, C. Corr , C. Mooney , B. Kennedy , M. Suckling , T. Armstrong
Best Players: B. Kennedy, J. Williams, J. Turner, B. Grundy, N. Riddle, J. Hellier
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS
Goal Kickers: J. Redpath 4, M. Honeychurch 3, J. Johannisen 3, L. Hunter 2, C. Howard , J. Stringer , A. Cordy , T. Campbell , B. Goodes
Best Players: L. Hunter, S. Darley, B. Goodes, J. Redpath, J. Johannisen, J. Russell
