The Footscray Bulldogs have defeated Essendon by 11-points on the back of two crucial last quarter goals from Fergus Greene on Saturday night at Victoria University Whitten Oval.

In a tightly fought contest, the Dogs managed to fight off the persistent Bombers thanks to a dominant midfield performance from Lukas Webb (21 disposals, one tackle) and Mitch Wallis (23 disposals, two tackles), while Will Hayes continued his outstanding form, racking up 19 disposals and five tackles, while Liam Nash collected 20 disposals and laid nine tackles.

Tom Campbell was again a factor in air, getting his hand on 49 hit-outs to give the Bulldog midfield first use and taking six all important overhead marks. Fletcher Roberts (Two goals, 12 disposals) and Josh Dunkley (Two goals,13 disposals) proved to be a dynamic pair up forward, booting four goals between them.

Defenders Shane Biggs (30 disposals, four tackles) and Lewis Young (20 disposals, eight marks) impressed in the back line, keeping the Bombers to one goal in both the first and third quarters.

Footscray now sit at 4-4 after eight rounds and head into a bye next week.

Foot: 4.2 (26) 5.4 (34) 7.6 (48) 10.12 (72)

Ess: 1.4 (10) 3.8 (27) 4.12 (36) 8. 13 (61)

Best: Biggs, Campbell, Webb, Hayes, Nash

Goals: Greene, Dunkley, Roberts (2), Porter, Prudden, Tashevski-Beckwith, William (1)

Disposals: Biggs (30), M Wallis (23), Jong (21), Webb (21), Nash (20), Young (20)