Mitch Honeychurch and Angus Monfries brightened an otherwise disappointing day for the Footscray Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon at Avalon Airport Oval, booting three goals each in the side's 20-point loss to North Melbourne.
A quiet first term saw the Kangaroos take control early, before the ‘Scray delivered their first two majors through Lachlan Sullivan (15 disposals, four tackles) and Nathan Mullenger-McHugh (10 disposals, three marks).
Three straight goals to start the second half looked promising for the Dogs, before the home side booted two of their own, pushing their lead to 16 points at the final break.
Two early fourth quarter goals from Reuben William (10 disposals, two tackles) and Honeychurch (23 disposals, four tackles) saw the ‘Scray edge closer, before North Melbourne added four majors to extend their lead, sealing the 20-point win.
Ruck duo Tim English (43 hitouts, five marks) and Tom Campbell (41 hitouts, three marks) enjoyed solid games, while co-captain Monfries proved vital in the forward line.
Footscray currently sit at eighth on the Peter Jackson VFL Ladder with eight wins and eight losses for the season.
The Bulldogs head to Windy Hill next Saturday to take on Essendon.
Footscray: 2.5 6.9 9.14 12.19 (91)
NMFC: 5.4 9.8 12.12 16.15 (111)
Best: M. Honeychurch, T. Campbell, A. Monfries, A. Panayi, J. Prudden, F. Roberts
Goals: M. Honeychurch, A. Monfries 3, J. Prudden, L. Sullivan, R. William, N. Mullenger-McHugh, T. Campbell, J. Smith
Disposals: W. Hayes 35, M. Honeychurch 23, A. Panayi 19, J. Prudden 17, A. Tashevski-Beckwith 16
