The Footscray Bulldogs have fallen to Sandringham by 21 points in the opening game of the 2018 Peter Jackson VFL season.

The Dogs got off to an impressive start with three first half goals from Pat Lipinski, followed by two more from Fergus Greene and co-captain Angus Monfries, taking a 10-point lead into the first change.  The margin was reduced to one at the main break, and again at the final change before the Zebras eventually ran away with the win. 

Defender Shane Biggs was busy in the backline, topping the disposals tally with 26 touches, while Lipinski finished with four goals.

Fletcher Roberts was one of the Dogs' best, playing both ends of the field and kicking two goals, while Tom Campbell and Tom Boyd impressed in the ruck, amassing 41 hit-outs between them.

Footscray take on Coburg in their first home game at VU Whitten Oval, next Saturday 14th April at 12pm.

Footscray Bulldogs     6.2 (38)           8.5 (53)           12.7 (79)           14.8 (92)

Sandringham           4.4 (28)           7.10 (52)           11.14 (80)           16.17 (113)

Goals: Lipinski (4), Monfries (3), Roberts (2), Greene (2), Campbell (1), Goodyear (1), Sullivan (1)

Best:  Lipinski, Monfries, Porter, Biggs, Roberts