The Footscray Bulldogs have made it nine wins in a row, overpowering the GWS Giants at Mission Whitten Oval in cold and still Friday afternoon conditions.
The competition was fierce at times, but the Bulldogs pushed through the pressure to triumph with a score of 13.13 (91) to 7.8 (50).
That intensity was on display from the outset, with a hotly contested opening term that saw both sides go goal-for-goal early. The Giants edged ahead by a single point at the first break, but that was as close as they’d get for the rest of the match.
The second quarter belonged to the Bulldogs. Through sharp ball movement and clever forward play, Buku Khamis, Josh Dolan and Arthur Jones each found goals, turning the tide and building a 16-point buffer at half time.
From there, the Dogs found their groove.
Khamis continued to hit the scoreboard, including a classy snap on a tight angle, while Dolan stepped up with two goals late in the term – capping off a strong third quarter performance inside 50.
The Giants threatened with a late push, but the Bulldogs’ system and discipline held firm.
Working together from all sides of the field, they kept their composure to finish 41-point winners in front of a home crowd.
Jordan Croft proved a constant aerial threat up forward, finishing with three goals, 17 disposals and seven marks, while Dolan was once again a reliable presence in the front half; his three-goal, 16-disposal outing perfectly complemented by Khamis’ two majors.
James Harmes led the midfield brigade with 29 touches and five clearances, while Lachie Jaques and Taylor Duryea brought structure and pressure, each finishing with 19 disposals and five tackles.
Cooper Craig-Peters brought his trademark grit, winning 20 disposals, five clearances and laying a game-high eight tackles in a standout performance.
Lachie Smith was a commanding presence in the ruck, tallying 40 hitouts, 15 disposals and six clearances to control stoppages.
With momentum well and truly on their side, the Bulldogs now turn their attention to a blockbuster clash with ladder leaders Box Hill in Round 20.
The first bounce is set for 2:05PM AEST on Saturday 9 August, with the red, white and blue chasing their tenth straight win.
Match details
Footscray Bulldogs: 4.1 7.6 10.10 13.13 (91)
GWS Giants: 4.2 5.2 6.2 7.8 (50)
Goals: Croft 3, Dolan 3, Khamis 2, Hynes, Jaques, Muratore, Scott, Sellwood, Smith, A.Jones.
