The Footscray Bulldogs have produced an unbelievable comeback, kicking six unanswered goals to overrun the Sydney Swans and claim a seven-point win at VU Whitten Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs were at one stage 39 points behind the Swans – and trailed by 36 points early in the final term.

But they showed plenty of spirit, fighting back to run out 11.18 (84) to 11.11 (77) victors and remain unbeaten in 2021.

With the aid of a strong breeze, the Bulldogs set sail in the last quarter. Ben Cavarra kicked the first – and final – goal of the fightback. Jordon Sweet, Josh Schache, Toby McLean and Pat Lipinski also contributed majors.

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VFL RD 13 | Match Highlights

Footscray remain undefeated after a win against Sydney in round 13 at VU Whitten Oval.

Lipinski’s goal levelled the scores at the 31-minute mark of the last quarter. A rushed behind from a Hayden Crozier effort three minutes later put the Bulldogs in front, before Cavarra’s goal-line toe-poke sealed it as 35 minutes ticked over on the clock.

They fought off a Sydney side that controlled most of the game. The Swans came out in full force from the start, booting six goals to one in the first term, while holding the ‘Scray to two majors at half time.

Pat Lipinski put together an incredible performance – collecting 35 disposals, six clearances and the clutch goal to level the scores in the dying moments of the game.

Will Hayes (33 disposals) again found plenty of the ball, while Josh Schache (15 disposals, 11 marks, one goal) was important floating between attack and defence.

Big man Jordon Sweet (31 hit-outs, two goals) was important in the ruck and around the ground, while Louis Butler (25 disposals, five tackles, seven marks) and Hayden Crozier (23 disposals, seven marks) were influential in defence and stood tall in the dying moments of the game.

Skipper Lachie Sullivan (21 disposals, five tackles) led from the front, while Toby McLean (20 disposals) and Robbie McComb (19 disposals) won seven clearances each. Cavarra and Rhylee West finished with two goals apiece.

The ‘Scray will hit the road next weekend, travelling north to take on the Gold Coast Suns. Details for the game are still to be confirmed.

 

FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS   1.0       2.6       5.10     11.18   (84)

SYDNEY SWANS                  6.6       8.8       10.10   11.11   (77)

 

Goals

Footscray Bulldogs: Cavarra 2, Sweet 2, West 2, Glass-McCasker, Lipinski, McLean, Schache, Smith

Sydney Swans: McDonald 4, Anderson, Gray, Ronke, Rowbottom, Sinclair, Stephens, Young

 

Best

Footscray Bulldogs: Lipinski, Hayes, Butler, Sweet, Crozier, Sullivan, McLean, West

VFL Round 13 | Footscray Bulldogs v Sydney Swans

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: Round 13 VFL match between Footscray and Sydney Swans at VU Whitten Oval on July 11, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Eleanor Armstrong)
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