The Footscray Bulldogs have continued their perfect start to the 2021 VFL season, defeating the Coburg Lions by 32 points at Highgate Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The ‘Scray held the lead for the entirety of the match, with nine individual goal-scorers helping them record the 13.6 (84) to 7.10 (52) triumph to claim top spot on the ladder.
In a game made for small forwards, Ben Cavarra and Nathan Drummond each collected 19 disposals and kicked two goals.
Ewan Macpherson and Jesse Glass-McCasker also added two each, while Lewis Young (17 disposals, seven marks) and Buku Khamis (16 disposals, five marks) led the way for the Bulldogs’ backline.
Despite being two players down on the bench after half-time – losing Charlie Cormack (calf) and Easton Wood (ankle) to injuries - the ‘Scray showed perseverance and confidence in their game plan to maintain a comfortable lead.
Wood is expected to have scans in the coming days to determine the damage.
Pat Lipinski (28 disposals, 19 handballs) and Will Hayes (25 disposals, eight handballs) were again dominant and clean with the ball, while Robbie McComb (24 disposals) and Rhylee West (23 disposals, one goal) were impactful.
AFL-listed ruck Jordon Sweet dominated the hit-out contest (29-14), while bringing the heat on the ground with five tackles.
Footscray will now look ahead to facing North Melbourne next weekend, with details to be confirmed throughout the week.
MATCH DETAILS:
Footscray: 4.1 6.1 10.3 13.6 84
Coburg: 2.2 3.5 5.7 7.10 52
GOALS:
Footscray: Cavarra 2, Drummond 2, Glass-McCasker 2, Macpherson 2, Bedendo, McNeil, Ugle-Hagan, Van de Heuvel, West.
BEST:
Footscray: Lipinski, Hayes, McComb, West, Sweet, Khamis, Young, Cavarra, Drummond, Sullivan.
