The Footscray Bulldogs have secured their second win in a row, holding off a gallant Coburg Lions outfit by 10 points on Saturday afternoon at Piranha Park.
Leading at every change, the ‘Scray managed to maintain control of the ball for the first half, before the Lions stormed home, nearly causing an upset in the process.
Josh Dunkley (21 disposals, nine tackles), Lin Jong (20 disposals, two marks) and Will Hayes (27 disposals, six tackles) were busy in the midfield, while Marcus Adams (11 disposals, one goal) was dominant in the back-line for the first half, in his first game back from an ankle injury.
Fergus Greene (18 disposals, two goals) made his mark on the scoreboard with two early goals, while Josh Prudden booted two key majors within the first three minutes of the final term.
Jordan Roughead and Tom Campbell, sharing ruck duties, controlled the air, collecting 62 hit-outs between them and giving the Dogs’ engine room first use of the football.
Footscray coach Steve Grace told westernbulldogs.com.au was full of praise for Lin Jong’s work at the source, and Lewis Young’s ability to play in multiple roles was also big factor in the Dogs’ win.
“Lin Jong’s work around the ball and ability to create opportunities was really impressive,” said Grace.
“We tried Lewis (Young) in a number of roles today which is a change for him - allowing him to play on the wing a little bit more- we’re seeing an improvement in his game.”
The Bulldogs will take on North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium next Saturday at 3:20pm before the Harmony Game clash between the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne.
Footscray: 3.5 6.8 7.11 11.12 (78)
Coburg: 3.2 4.3 5.6 10.8 (68)
Best: Jong, Greene, Dunkley, Hayes, Dalgleish
Goals: Greene, Prudden (2), Monfries, Wallis, Campbell, Adams, Mullenger-McHugh, Roberts (1)
Disposals: Hayes (27), Dunkley (21), Jong (20), Greene, Monfries (18)
