The Footscray Bulldogs got their first win on the board for season 2015 with a convincing 24 point victory over the Casey Scorpions at Victoria University Whitten Oval.
The Dogs lead by 19-points at the first change, a buffer that proved critical as the ever changing conditions saw the match descend into a traditional VU Whitten Oval arm wrestle.
The big men led from the front with Jack Redpath and Tom Campbell both kicking four goals, but it was the game of Lachie Hunter who had 33 disposals, that most impressed coach, Ash Hansen.
“I thought Lachie Hunter was really important for us – played up forward and got into some really dangerous spots at drop of ball, then went up into the midfield and generated some good ball movement for us. “
Footscray did just enough all day to keep the hard charging Scorpions at bay, Casey constantly challenging the young Dogs both physically as well as on the scoreboard, kicking 4.5 to Footscray’s 4.1 in the final term.
Hansen said that the victory contained some important lessons for his chargres:
“They certainly generated a lot of inside 50s that we had to defend.
"We were under pressure but found a way to win.
"I think that’s a really good learning tool for our young Dogs that they can find a way when it’s not pretty.
"And getting the points and finding a way to contribute to the game when it’s not easy is important to their development.”
Brett Goodes, Brent Prismall and Josh Prudden were stand out contributors for the Dogs, and Fletcher Roberts was tireless down back when Footscray needed it most.
Footscray travel to Victoria Park to take on the Magpies next Saturday at 1:00pm.
Footscray Bulldogs 3.4 6.4 11.6 15.7 (97)
Casey Scorpions 0.3 3.8 6.8 10.13 (70)
Goals: J. Redpath, T. Campbell 4, D. Hamilton 2, L. Hunter, J. Kelly, W. Minson, M. Buchanan, J. Russell, 1
Best: L. Hunter, B. Goodes, J. Prudden, F. Roberts, J. Redpath, T. Campbell.
