Small forward Ben Cavarra did the damage for Footscray in a VFL practice match on Saturday afternoon, kicking four goals as the Bulldogs comfortably accounted for Essendon at Tullamarine.

Cavarra’s haul helped a strong Bulldog outfit run out 54-point victors, 15.14 (99) to 7.3 (45).

The 25-year-old made his AFL debut in round one last year, playing three games in 2020, and against the Bombers made an impact around goal and when playing through the midfield.

Cavarra was one of a number of strong AFL-listed contributors for the Bulldogs, alongside the likes of Easton Wood, Lin Jong and Cody Weightman.

Wood – in his second game back from a hamstring injury – was clinic in defence, showcasing his trademark intercept ability.

He also capitalized on a 50-metre penalty to sneak forward and kick a goal.

Jong was dominant as an inside midfielder, while Weightman also spent time inside and chipped in with a goal.

Ruckman Jordon Sweet impacted the scoreboard, kicking three majors, while emerging forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked two before a thumb injury ended his day.

FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS                4.6          7.8          9.11        15.14 (99)
ESSENDON                                          2.0          4.1          5.3          7.3 (45)

Goals: Cavarra 4, Sweet 3, Ugle-Hagan 2, West, Boyd, Weightman, Glass-McCasker, Cormack, Wood