The Footscray Bulldogs have outlasted a spirited North Melbourne side under lights at Mission Whitten Oval, sealing a hard-fought 16-point win in a Friday night classic.
Despite a slow start, Footscray rallied through the middle quarters to gain control and held on late, finishing 13.9 (87) to 10.11 (71).
North Melbourne opened with early momentum, kicking away to an eight-point lead at the first break after a contested and physical opening term.
But the Bulldogs responded sharply in the second, with Oskar Baker, Ewan Macpherson and Will Lewis hitting the scoreboard quickly to flip the contest.
Footscray’s run and spread began to open up the game, helping them establish a 30-point lead by half time.
A highlight came just before the siren, when David Cuningham soccered through a goal from the square to lift the home crowd.
The third quarter tightened into a fierce arm-wrestle, with neither side giving an inch and just two points separating them.
As the final term unfolded, momentum swung repeatedly, with goals traded and pressure rising by the minute.
It was Footscray who held its nerve however, breaking clear in the final 10 minutes to secure the result and continue its strong form at home.
Up forward, Buku Khamis finished with two goals, as did Cuningham and Lewis. Luca Muratore, Lachie Jaques, Anthony Scott and Connor Smith added singles to keep the pressure on.
Scott was dominant in the middle with 36 disposals and 10 clearances, supported by Macpherson’s 27 disposals and five clearances, and Michael Sellwood’s 28 disposals and six tackles.
Luke Cleary, Baker and Jedd Busslinger used the ball with poise and precision, linking plays seamlessly across the field.
Captain Dan Orgill added his trademark toughness with seven tackles and six clearances, while Lachlan Smith controlled the ruck with 41 hitouts and five clearances.
Down back, Ryan Gardner (17 disposals, six marks) and Liam Jones (eight marks) were resolute, intercepting cleanly and launching attacks from defence.
Footscray’s all-round effort builds momentum as they prepare for their Round 17 clash with the Brisbane Lions on Saturday 19 July at 12:05pm AEST.
Footscray Bulldogs: 2.1 8.5 9.6 13.9 (87)
North Melbourne: 3.3 3.4 8.10 10.11 (71)
Goals: Cuningham 2, Khamis 2, Lewis 2, Baker, Dolan, Jaques, MacPherson, Muratore, Scott, Smith.
