The Footscray Bulldogs have registered their third consecutive victory, posting a 14-point away win over the Frankston Dolphins on Saturday afternoon.

The match largely went goal-for-goal in the first three quarters before the Bulldogs pulled away thanks to a gritty three-goal to one final term.

Heavy rains before the bounce threatened to turn Frankston Oval into a quagmire. Yet despite the slippery conditions, both teams managed four first-term goals in an entertaining opening.

The Dolphins goaled through Ben Cavarra within seconds of the start thanks to a quick clearance and inside-50 spillage.

Jack Redpath wrested back control for the Bulldogs. The bullocking forward marked strongly on the lead twice for the Bulldogs’ first two goals.

Frankston, sensing the challenge, began running with confidence and winning crucial stoppages. The hosts replied with the next three majors as the livewire Cavarra booted his second.

After 15-minutes of Frankston dominance, the Bulldogs steadied through Ayce Cordy. The big man nailed two goals in the term’s final minutes to bring his side to within two points at quarter time.

By the start of the second quarter, Frankston Oval was bathed in sunshine and the rain seemed banished.

Liam Jones, David Iaccarino and Lin Jong scored early second-term majors, giving the Dogs four of the game’s last five goals and a 10-point lead.

But this buffer vanished when athletic Dolphins’ forward Ziggie Alwan snared two quick goals on the back of Footscray turnovers.

With Frankston now marginally ahead and 10 minutes remaining in the half, both teams tried but failed to score a breakthrough goal. After Alwan’s burst, the sides combined for five behinds as the match tightened and stoppages were forced inside-50 at both ends.

Frankston went into half time holding a one point lead.

The third term went blow-for-blow as the opposing midfields crashed in. Alwan scored his third goal for the match and Liam Jones his second, both on the end handpass chains.

The highlight came in the final seconds of the term. The Bulldogs’ defenders won a turnover, moving the ball swiftly out of danger and to Michael Talia at half forward. Talia bombed long for Redpath in the goalsquare, where the ball deflected upwards and towards the goal off hands. Redpath doubled back, held off his opponent and kicked the ball out of mid-air for a goal.

Holding a four-point three-quarter time lead, the Bulldogs finally kicked away in the fourth term with three rapid goals putting the visitors up by 22 points.

Among these goals was Ayce Cordy’s third, a curling snap out of a ruck contest 35m out.

Staunch defence from Fletcher Roberts, Mark Austin and Tom Young kept the Dolphins to one last-quarter goal. The efforts of the defenders all day was commendable as dangerous Frankston forwards Michael Lourey, Shannon Taylor and Luke Potts were held to two goals between them.

Conversely, the Bulldogs’ tall forwards fired early and sustained their presence throughout the match. Redpath, Cordy and Jones booted a combined eight goals, marking strongly in a variety of situations.

Midfielders Brett Goodes, Lin Jong and Lachie Hunter also proved valuable contributors for the Bulldogs.

For Frankston, Cavarra produced an eye-catching display of skilful roving and gut running throughout the afternoon to rank among the Dolphins’ best.

With five wins and three losses for the year, Footscray next face Port Melbourne at North Port Oval on Saturday afternoon.


Frankston     4.3     7.8     9.11     10.16     (76)
Footscray     4.1     7.7     10.9     13.12     (90)

Goals
Frankston: Alwan 3, Cavarra 2, Harper 2, Coleman, Lourey, Potts
Footscray: Cordy 3, Redpath 3, Jones 2, Goodes, Greenwood, Iaccarino, Johannisen, Jong

Best
Frankston: Cavarra, Harper, Alwan, Tynan, Newman
Footscray: Jong, Goodes, Stringer, Cordy, Campbell, Roberts, Hunter