The Footscray Bulldogs have relaunched the VFL season in Victoria with a 33-point comeback win over Geelong on Friday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium.
After trailing by 26 points in the first quarter, the ‘Scray were able to turn things around.
They held the Cats goalless from quarter-time until the 17-minute mark of the third to continue their perfect start to 2021 with a 14.12 (96) to 9.9 (63) victory.
Josh Schache found the spotlight in the forward line, claiming 14 marks and kicking an impressive season-high six goals.
Pat Lipinski (31 disposals, three goals and six tackles) and Riley Garcia (30 disposals, three tackles) were most influential around the ball, elevating the intensity and inspiring a lift from the team after a disappointing first term.
Easton Wood made a strong return from a hamstring injury (12 disposals, six marks) helping to strengthen the Bulldogs’ back line.
In his first game back in nearly three months, Ed Richards played an effective midfield role, collecting 25 disposals, combining with Will Hayes who was impactful with 21 disposals and three tackles.
Lewis Young (21 disposals, eleven marks) and Buku Khamis (19 disposals, six marks) positioned themselves as defensive guards, holding Geelong to five goals after quarter time.
Sitting second on the VFL ladder - with two less games played than ladder-leading Southport - the Footscray Bulldogs will face Coburg next weekend, with details of the match to be confirmed throughout the week.
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 1.2 2.6 7.11 14.12 (96)
GEELONG 4.2 4.3 6.5 9.9 (63)
Goals
Footscray Bulldogs: Schache 6, Lipinski 3, Ugle-Hagan 2, McComb, McNeil, West.
Geelong: Clark 3, Fort, Holmes, Jenkins, Lang, Miers, Stanley.
Best
Footscray: Lipinski, Garcia, Hayes, Richards, Schache, Khamis, Young, Wood.