Reigning VFL premiers Footscray have gone down to last year’s runners-up Box Hill by 13-points in their VFL opening round match at an overcast Victoria University Whitten Oval.
After Footscray led at the main break by 14-points, it was a seven goals to two second half that secured victory for the visitors in the VFL Grand Final rematch.
The Bulldogs had 22 shots at goal to Box Hill’s 15, converting only seven majors to their opponents 11, which ultimately told the story of the day.
Footscray worked hard to create opportunities, but were caught out missing targets and not capitalising their chances in front of goal.
The day began on a high for the home side with the unfurling of the 2014 VFL premiership flag pre-match, with the 3000 strong crowd lapping up the chance to relive the club’s first VFL premiership in 60 years one more time.
In front of a vocal home crowd at the Kennel, Footscray conceded the opening two goals of the match, before piling on unanswered majors through Bailey Dale, Jack Redpath and Declan Hamilton to take a slender nine point advantaged at the first break.
Clay Smith collected nine opening quarter disposals, starting the game at the centre bounce, showing he’d lost none of his appetite for the contest in his time sidelined through injury.
The hard-edged midfielder finished the game with 24 quality touches in his first game back after an injury interrupted 18 months, much to the delight of the Bulldogs faithful.
Footscray kicked 2.5 to 2.0 in a low-scoring second term, extending their advantage to 14 points at half time.
Box Hill then added four unanswered goals in the third term, while keeping the home-side to just three behind, to lead by nine-points at the final break.
The Hawks outscored Footscray 3.2 to 2.4 in the final term to take the four points.
Lachie Hunter was the major ball winner for Footscray, finishing with 25 disposals.
Skipper Jordan Russell collected 21 touches playing across half-back, while Western Bulldogs draftee Bailey Dale continued his form at the level collecting 19 disposals and kicking one goal.
The Bulldogs take on the Casey Scorpions at Victoria University Whitten Oval next Sunday, April 26 at 12:00pm.
Footscray Bulldogs 3.3 5.8 5.11 7.15 (57)
Box Hill Hawks 2.0 4.0 8.2 11.4 (70)
Goals: Redpath 2, Dale, Kelly, McLean, Hamilton, Fort.
Best: C. Smith, J. Kelly, J. Russell, M. Fogarty, F. Roberts, J. Redpath
