The Footscray Bulldogs never relinquished the lead in a dominant 53-point victory over Essendon in the VFL at Victoria University Whitten Oval on Sunday.
A command six goal performance from Liam Jones led Footscray 17. 4. (116) to defeat Essendon 9. 9. (63) in front of the vocal home crowd.
The Bulldogs were dominant to start, producing nine of the 12 shots on goal in the opening term and running out the quarter 21 points in front.
PHOTO GALLERY: View the best action photos from Footscray's 53-point VFL win over Essendon.
Jones set the tone early with two first term goals, while Clay Smith was also prominent with one major from three attempts before the first break.
Fletcher Roberts was also excellent defensively and carried that form across the four quarters, adding to his recent run of strong form.
The Bulldogs capitalised on their opportunities in the second term, adding five goals to Essendon’s two and continuing their dominance across the ground.
The Bulldogs continued to exert their influence in the third term, producing the lion’s share of scoring shots and making it difficult for the Bombers to enter their forward line — and carried a 61 point lead into the final term.
The pace dropped off in the final quarter but the damage had been done and the Bulldogs ran out 53-point winners - consolidating their second placing on the VFL ladder.
Development Manager Chris Maple said Footscray entered the game mindful of the Bombers’ potent forward line and restricting Essendon’s access inside 50 led to the Bulldogs win.
“We just limited their access inside 50 which really helped us and I think we scored well off the back of our defence - it’s a bit easier to play the game in our half,” Maple said.
“A lot of it starts with our forward pressure but also how accountable our midfield is.
“They were good inside but they were also very good accountability-wise which is what we ask of them.”
A strong performance from Liam Jones pleased Maple, as did the continued form of the Bulldogs midfield contingent and their ability to harass and shut down their opponent.
“Liam was good today, marked well, chased hard, laid some tackles – he just has to make sure he brings it every week,” he said.
“Goodes, Lower, Smith, Fogarty, were all really competitive today – Tom Campbell was outstanding in the ruck.”
“It was a good comeback from Tory Dickson and a good contribution from our VFL-listed players as well.”
Footscray now have a bye weekend next week before facing Bendigo Gold at home in round 17.
Footscray Bulldogs 17. 4 (116) defeat Essendon 9. 9 (63)
GOALS: Jones 6, Smith 2, Dickson 2, Lower 1, Goodes 1, Higgins 1, Honeychurch 1, Hayes 1, Russell 1, Campbell 1
BEST: Roberts, Jones, Lower, Goodes, Higgins, Campbell
