The Footscray Bulldogs have been handed their first loss of the 2019 VFL season, falling to Williamstown by 16 points at Williamstown Football Ground on Sunday afternoon.

Taking charge early, the Bulldogs entered the first break with a 15-point lead, followed by a goalless second term and quiet third quarter. An early goal from Brad Lynch in the fourth quarter kept the Dogs within a point, before the home side booted another two majors and sealed the win.

Midfielder Bailey Dale enjoyed an impressive performance, collecting 20 disposals and kicking a goal, while Defender Fletcher Roberts proved vital in the backline, gathering 18 disposals and five marks.

VFL listed midfielder/defender Reuben William was named best afield for the ‘Scray, taking seven marks and laying two tackles.

In their return from injury, Ben Cavarra (10 disposals, two tackles), Laitham Vandermeer (13 disposals, three marks) and Buku Khamis (17 disposals, six marks) were influential, while developing midfielder Rhylee West (17 disposals, five tackles) enjoyed another solid performance.

Defender Lewis Young continued to push his case for a senior recall, getting the upper hand on 22 hit-outs and taking four marks, while Pat Lipinski continued his stellar form collecting 19 disposals, six marks and two tackles.

Captain Josh Prudden also enjoyed a solid 50th game for the Footscray Bulldogs, laying four tackles and collecting 16 disposals.

The Footscray Bulldogs will head to Casey Fields next Sunday 5^th of May to face the Casey Demons at 2pm.

MATCH DETAILS

Footscray             3.5   3.9   4. 11   6. 12 (48)
Williamstown     1.2   5.5   7. 6     9. 10  (64)

Best
William, Nash, Young, Roberts, Kanakis, Prudden

Goals
Schache, Kanakis, Dale, Webb, Gleeson, Lynch 1

Leading disposals
Dale 20, Lipinski, William 19, Roberts 18, Khamis, Nash, West 17