The Footscray Bulldogs have moved into fifth place on the VFL ladder after defeating Essendon by 19 points at Windy Hill Oval Sunday afternoon.
It’s the ‘Scray’s third win in a row, putting them 4-3 on the season heading into the bye round.
Footscray were on the offensive early, scoring three goals and keeping the Bombers off the scoreboard until the twenty-minute mark.
Coach Ashley Hansen was pleased with the start, which allowed the Bulldogs to make an impact on the scoreboard early, setting the tone for the day.
“Our start, even thought the wind was going across the ground, was certainly pivotal to the game, he said.
“Our first twenty minutes of the game was some really good footy and then really for the rest of the day it was a great contribution across the board.
“We had many players that played their role and that went a long way to us winning the game.”
The Bulldogs’ second term was equally as dominant, putting up another 4 goal quarter effort and keeping the Bombers to just two, Footscray going into the main break with a 27-point lead.
Essendon challenged in the third, closing the gap on the scoreboard with a five-goal quarter to the Bulldogs’ three, building up the intensity for an exciting final term.
Nathan Hrovat was impactful on his return from injury, scoring a goal in the third and racking up 19 possessions.
Hansen was pleased at his return and work rate on the day,
‘Nathan was really sound for us, he’s been really diligent in rehab and he applied himself really well on the wing.
“He stuck to his foundations, he set up a goal early for us and I thought he used the ball really well so it was a good return.”
Josh Dunkley was also a standout with 29 disposals, 6 marks and 4 tackles, his development continuing to impress the coach.
“Dunkley’s ability around the contest, you can’t question, he’s strong, he extracts the football and he generated a lot of clearance for us today.
“He’s got so much scope to continue to grow his game which is going to make him a very good player in the future.
“It’s pretty exciting the performances he’s putting in as a young player.”
The Bulldogs held on for the rest of the game, never conceding the lead and finishing with another four-goal quarter and the win.
The ‘Scray head in to the bye round next week and then take on reigning VFL premiers Williamstown at Victoria University Whitten Oval Sunday June 5, 11.00am.
Footscray 4.2. 8.7 11.8 15.10 (100)
Essendon 2.2 4.4 9.5 12.9 (81)
Best: Russell, Honeychurch, Dunkley, Minson, Barry, Wyatt
Goals: Wyatt Grabowski 3, Hamilton Nash Lynch 2, Minson Hrovat W.Hayes
