A five goal to two final term wasn’t enough for Footscray to overhaul North Ballarat in their second practice match of the VFL preseason.
At the final siren, the Roosters, playing in front of a home crowd at Eureka Stadium, defeated Footscray by six-points, 14.10 (94) to 14.4 (88).
Just five Western Bulldogs senior listed players lined-up for the VFL side, with the full Footscray playing list given their first chance to showcase their skills together for coach Ashley Hansen.
Koby Stevens, Nathan Hrovat, Tom Campbell, Lachie Hunter and Fletcher Roberts all lined-up for Footscray, given the chance to push their case for the Western Bulldogs’ Easter Saturday season opener against West Coast at Etihad Stadium.
Roberts continued his return from injury with a solid performance alongside senior teammate Hrovat, who provided class through the middle of the ground throughout the day.
The pair were named Footscray’s best on the day.
The Bulldogs were slow out of the blocks, with the Roosters piling on six opening quarter goals to the visitors two, trailing by 27 points at the first change.
An arm-wrestle ensued in the second term, as both teams added four goals and two behinds, to see the remain the same at the half time break.
The Bulldogs narrowed the margin slightly in the third term, kicking three goals to two in there premiership quarter to trail by four straight kicks at the final change.
Finishing full of run, Footscray’s final term charge wasn’t enough to finish over the top of the home side.
Meyrick Buchanan was the pick of the VFL listed players in just his second appearance for the reigning premiers, while Rikki Newtown kicked three goals.
Footscray will head to Simonds Stadium on Saturday to take on Geelong as they continue their preparations for their VFL round one match against the Box Hill Hawks at Victoria University Whitten Oval.
Footscray Bulldogs 14.4.88 defeated by North Ballarat 14.10.94
Goals: Newton 3, Hunter 2, Bicer 2, Shea, Jones, W Hayes, Fogarty, Russell, J Wallis, Grabowski
Best: Roberts, Hrovat, Hunter, Buchanan, Stevens, Newton
