Footscray capped off a stellar weekend for the red, white and blue, overpowering Essendon at the NEC Hangar to complete a clean sweep across AFL, AFLW and the VFL.
Despite tough, wet and windy conditions, the Bulldogs showed their strength across all four quarters, running out convincing 63-point winners with a final score of 13.17 (95) to 5.2 (32).
The opening term proved an intense showdown, with both teams hitting the scoreboard early, each registering a goal within the first five minutes. Though the quarter ended in Essendon’s favour, Footscray quickly shifted the momentum.
The Bulldogs stepped up in the second term, piling on 35 unanswered points while keeping the Bombers scoreless in an authoritative display.
As the weather worsened in the third, clean ball-handling became a real challenge for both sides. Essendon managed to scrape together a goal, but Footscray remained composed and resilient under pressure.
By the final term, the Bulldogs wrestled back full control – elevating their pressure, tightening up defensively and shutting the door on any chance of a comeback.
The margin steadily grew as Footscray finished a strong 63 points ahead.
It was a commanding team effort across all key stats, with the Bulldogs leading disposals, kicks, handballs, clearances, hit-outs, marks and goals.
Up forward, Buku Khamis stood out, booting a game-high five goals from 17 disposals. His impact went beyond goals, with eight kicks, nine handballs and five marks highlighting his influence.
Arthur Jones was welcomed back where he added his trademark pressure inside 50, finishing with two goals, 14 touches and four marks.
Will Lewis and Josh Dolan also made their presence felt on the scoreboard, each slotting a goal. Lewis gathered 13 disposals, while Dolan was a constant threat in the forward half, collecting 16 touches.
Through the midfield, Cooper Craig-Peters set the tone with 24 disposals, including 16 handballs, along with four tackles and five clearances.
James Harmes continued his strong form, finishing with 28 disposals, five tackles and seven clearances. Anthony Scott complemented him perfectly, matching the 28 touches and adding five clearances in a well-rounded performance.
Michael Sellwood provided a steady, efficient presence across midfield and half-back, finishing with 24 disposals, including 15 kicks. Sam Davidson was also lively through the contest, contributing 26 disposals, 14 handballs alongside five marks and two behinds.
Daniel Orgill and Josh Kellett combined brilliantly in transition, sharing 41 disposals and seven tackles as they consistently pushed the ball forward and linked defence to attack.
Making this their eighth consecutive win, the Footscray Bulldogs now turn their attention to Round 19, where they will host the GWS Giants at Mission Whitten Oval on August 1. The first bounce is set for 2:05pm AEST.
Essendon Bombers: 3.1 3.1 4.1 5.2 (32)
Western Bulldogs: 2.5 7.10 7.13 13.17 (95)
Goals: Khamis 5, Jones 2, Craig-Peters, Dolan, Jaques, Kennedy, Lewis, Ramshaw.
Best: Khamis, L. Jones, Davidson, Jaques, Harmes, Gardner
