Footscray have recorded yet another convincing win in their quest for a top two spot, this time bringing about the demise of finals aspirant Werribee by 40 points at Avalon Airport Oval.
The game was effectively over at quarter time when the Bulldogs piled on eight goals to nothing and went into the break with a 49 point lead — Jarrad Grant instrumental with three goals.
Fifth-placed Werribee had no answers in the second quarter, and the Bulldogs continued to add to their lead despite heavy rain.
Young defender Fletcher Roberts was brilliant, particularly in the first half where he repelled many of the Tigers’ forward entries, and used poise and precision to set up the play thereafter.
Fellow defender Tom Young was also a standout with 16 first-half possessions, along with Jordan Russell and Nick Lower who controlled the game with their experience — Footscray going into the break with a commanding 59 point lead.
The third quarter was much the same – Footscray increasing their lead albeit with more resistance, Jason Tutt central to that with three goals to three-quarter time.
Mitch Honeychurch was relentless with his tackling pressure, and was a strong contributor to the 67 point lead at the final break; the game beginning to lose its spark with a comfortable Bulldogs victory looming.
Werribee outscored Footscray in the final quarter but it was too little too late, as the Bulldogs recorded their tenth victory from the past 11 games.
VFL Coach Chris Maple was pleased with the start, but said the lack of run in the second half would be addressed.
“We thought we hunted the opposition really well early, but our intensity dropped off in the second half which is a good measure of work-rate,” Maple said
“We have got to show intensity for four quarters. We want these guys to play AFL footy so they can’t afford to drop away at that level.”
Maple was full of praise for his defenders after they successfully prevented countless inside 50 entries from scores.
“Jordan Russell and Fletcher Roberts were very good down back – we let them have too many inside 50’s and I thought the back six defended manfully all day.”
Footscray take on Casey Scorpions in the penultimate round of the season at Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn at 11am on Sunday.
Footscray Bulldogs 17. 10 (112) defeat Werribee Tigers 10. 12 (72)
GOALS: Grant 5, J. Tutt 3, T. Dickson 2, A. Cordy 2, J. Redpath , B. Goodes , A. Greenwood , L. Jong , M. Honeychurch
BEST: F. Roberts , T. Young , J. Russell , J. Grant , J. Tutt , M. Jensen
