Geelong have proved too strong for Footscray, with the Cats claiming a 11-point victory at Victoria University Whitten Oval.

It was a slow start for Footscray, with the Cats taking an early five goal lead. Despite winning the last three quarters, the Dogs were unable to claw back the dominant Cats to make it two losses on the trot.

Shane Biggs continued his good form, collecting 27 disposals in a strong display. Captain Joran Russell also had a big on-field presence with 27 disposals, while inclusions Tom Liberatore and Toby McLean each racked up 11 tackles.

Tristian Tweedie, in his first game for Footscray, booted two final quarter goals. Jamieson Shea and Mitch Honeychurch also kicked two majors for the game, with the Bulldogs having an even spread of goal-kickers.

It was a strong, attacking start for the Cats, with five goals and 10 scoring shots in the opening term. Keeping Footscray to just the one point, Geelong took advantage of their fast start with 10 more inside 50s. Shane Biggs was at his best early with 11 first quarter disposals.

Geelong started the second term how began the first with the quarter’s opening goal. Footscray lifted their intensity around the ball with 10 more tackles and were rewarded for effort, booting four goals for the term. Jamieson Shea was at the forefront of the revival, booting two second quarter goals.

Although the Dogs won the second term, their slow start meant they headed into the major break 22 points down.

The clash quickly became a see-sawing affair, with both sides unable to maintain momentum. Goals to Matt Goodyear, Lewis Young and Tom Campbell chipped away at the deficit, but a five goal to three Cats quarter set themselves up with a 38-point lead heading into the final term.

Footscray looked promising early in the final term, kicking 3 goals within 5 minutes, including goals from first gamer Tristain Tweedie, Tim English & Mitch Honeychurch.  But it was a case of too little too late for the Dogs, going down to the Cats by 11 points.

Footscray will return to Whitten Oval next Saturday night for their match against Sandringham at 7pm.

Footscray Bulldogs             0.1 (1)                  4.4 (28)                  7.5 (47)           19.9 (87)

Geelong                                4.6 (30)                7.8 (50)                  12.13 (85)        14.15 (99)

Goalkickers: M. Honeychurch 2, T. Tweedie 2, J Shea 2, W. Hayes, B. Gowers, T. English, T. Campbell, D. Hamilton, L. Young
Disposals: Biggs 27, Russell 27, McLean 25, Jamieson 24, Hayes 21, Liberatore 21, Honeychurch 20