Footscray has gone down to Williamstown in a tough contest at DSV Stadium.
The Bulldogs battled hard throughout, but couldn't catch the Seagulls in the 12.12 (84) to 7.14 (56) affair.
Oskar Baker scored the opening goal right away, giving Footscray a strong start, before Williamstown responded quickly to gain the upper hand at the first change.
The second term was a tight contest. Nick Coffield used the ball well under pressure, while Billy Crofts levelled the scores midway through the quarter.
Still, Williamstown kicked away late to lead at half time.
Footscray got stronger after the break, winning important midfield contests to push the ball forward but couldn't capitalise on the scoreboard.
The final quarter was tough, with Williamstown playing the conditions better to run home 28-point winners.
Positives came from Lachlan Smith’s dominance with 35 hit-outs, while Coffield was composed with 22 disposals.
Harvey Gallagher (19 disposals) and Crofts (19 disposals, 11 tackles) kept the pressure on, with Oskar Baker (29 disposals, six marks) and Cooper Craig-Peters (24 disposals, 11 tackles) leading the stats sheet.
The Bulldogs turn their attention to next week’s clash with Geelong at Mission Whitten Oval on Friday 23 May at 5:05pm.
Williamstown Seagulls: 3.3 6.5 11.9 12.12 (84)
Footscray Bulldogs: 1.4 3.8 3.10 7.14 (56)
Goals: Baker, Coffield, Crofts, Hynes, Lewis, Poulter, C. Smith.
