The Footscray Bulldogs have won their fourth consecutive game of the VFL season, defeating Carlton by 18 points in an edge-of-your-seat match at VU Whitten Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Despite a final-quarter comeback from the Blues, the Bulldogs were able to settle the nerves with three late majors, recording a 11.11 (77) to 8.11 (59) victory.
It was a hard-fought, heavily contested battle between the two teams throughout the entirety of the match, but the fourth term was where it went to another level.
Lewis Young was the ‘Scray’s defensive saviour as the Blues began their comeback, finishing the game with 31 disposals and a game-high 17 marks.
Charlie Cormack (21 disposals, eight marks) and Reuben William (18 disposals, seven marks) were also composed in the backline throughout the final quarter.
The Bulldogs conceded five straight goals in the final term, allowing the visitors to level things up on the scoreboard.
With scores all tied up, the ‘Scray increased their intensity.
Led by Mitch Wallis (29 disposals, nine marks, four tackles and a goal) in the midfield, the Dogs were able to control the ball and remain calm towards the end of the game.
With key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (head knock) ruled out after quarter-time, Josh Schache stepped up and presented strongly - slotting three crucial goals, one of which put his side back in front in the final minutes.
Cody Weightman (nine disposals, six tackles, two goals) and Ben Cavarra (21 disposals, two goals) were strong in their small forward roles, each adding important goals late to seal the win.
The ‘Scray will head into a bye next weekend undefeated, before looking ahead to a Friday night clash against Frankston away on May 21.
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 2.2 5.6 7.10 11.11 (77)
CARLTON 0.4 1.6 2.10 8.11 (59)
Goals
Footscray Bulldogs: Schache 3, Cavarra 2, Weightman 2, Bedendo, Nichols, Wallis, Ugle-Hagan
Carlton: Crocker 4, Honey 2, Kennedy, Parsons
Best
Footscray Bulldogs: Young, Wallis, McComb, Sullivan, Cavarra, Garcia, Cormack, Short
