The Footscray Bulldogs put another win on the board for their pre-season campaign, beating North Ballarat by 25 points at Victoria University Whitten Oval Saturday afternoon.
Conditions were blustery making it tough for the boys with the notorious ‘Whitten Oval Wind’ favouring the Barkly St end but coach Ashley Hansen was happy with how they used it to advantage.
‘I was really happy with how they adjusted especially in the third quarter when we kicked with the wind we certainly maximized our opportunities.’
With 25 out of the 26 players on the field today VFL players, 10 of those putting the red, white and blue on for the first time, the squad had a good opportunity to impress the coaching staff.
‘It was a great reward for the effort they put in over the summer and a great opportunity to show us what they’ve learnt and what they’re capable of.’ Hansen said.
Defender Joel Hamling was the only AFL listed player named to play today and had a strong influence down back taking key intercept marks and finishing with 14 disposals.
After a good opening term, North Ballarat came back in the second with the help of the wind but Footscray took advantage in the third to extend their lead, holding on to secure the win. Josh Wallis was impressive up forward with three goals and new recruit Lauchlan Dalgleish made an impact.
‘Lauchie Dalgleish on his first run coming across from Essendon was outstanding for us.’ Hansen commented.
Looking forward to the next pre-season game, Hansen said, ‘goal kicking will be the focus this week. We probably weren’t as clean in front of goal but a lot of guys showed some really encouraging signs on the way we want them to play.’
The ‘Scray will be back at Victoria University Whitten Oval next Saturday taking on Essendon at 12pm. Entry is free so come down before seeing the AFL boys take on Fremantle on Easter Sunday.
Footscray 2.4. 3.5 7.10 8.11 (59)
North Ballarat 1.1 3.4 3.7 4.10 (34)
Best: Dalgleish, Wallis, Taschevski-Beckwith, Hamling, Hamilton, Sloan
Goals: Wallis 3, Tashevski-Beckwith, Grabowski, Jamieson, Dalgleish, Staley
