The Footscray Bulldogs have achieved their third consecutive win of the season, defeating the Northern Bullants by 43 points on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Preston City Oval.

In what could be described as a marathon rather than a sprint, the game began as a tight contest between the two sides.

With only a point the difference at quarter-time, inaccuracy kept the game close and the Bullants within reach, until the Bulldogs stormed home with six goals to two in the final term to record a 12.18 (90) to 6.11 (47) triumph.

Dominic Bedendo had a breakout performance in the forward line, taking strong contested marks and slotting three set shot goals.

Cody Weightman (19 disposals, 11 marks, two goals) was just as strong in attack, playing a crucial role, while Reuben William added scoreboard pressure with two fourth-quarter majors.

The Bullants looked dangerous at times, but defensive pressure led by Buku Khamis (12 disposals, eight marks) and Lewis Young (16 disposals, eight marks) held the hosts to a goalless second term, and just four goals after the main break. 

Mitch Wallis (28 disposals) and Louis Butler (25 disposals) were influential around the ball, along with Will Hayes (24 disposals, eight marks) who again found plenty of the ball.

Captain Lachie Sullivan (21 disposals) and Robbie McComb (22 disposals, three tackles) provided intensity in clutch moments to swing the momentum in favour of the ‘Scray.

Jordon Sweet continued his dominant form in the ruck, winning the hit-outs 38-10, while adding a goal from his time spent forward.

The Footscray Bulldogs now look ahead to next Sunday against Carlton at VU Whitten Oval.

FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS    2.4    6.9    6.15  12.18  (90)
NORTHERN BULLANTS      2.3    2.5    4.9    6.11   (47)

GOALS
Footscray: Bedendo 3, Weightman 2, William 2, Cavarra, Garcia, Glass-McCasker, Sweet, Ugle-Hagan.
Northern Bullants: Murphy 3, Ahern, Kennedy, Smith.

BEST: Wallis, Butler, Hayes, McComb, Sullivan, Weightman, Khamis.