In tough and dynamic conditions at Mission Whitten Oval, the Footscray Bulldogs showcased an impressive display, overpowering the Frankston Dolphins 15.15 (105) to 3.7 (25) to clinch their spot in the preliminary final.
The Bulldogs set the tone early, booting four goals to one in the first quarter, with Josh Dolan showing his skill by snapping one from the goal square.
Their momentum continued into the second term, adding five more goals while restricting the Dolphins to just one, creating a strong buffer heading into half time.
Footscray’s decisiveness was evident across all lines in the second half.
The Dolphins were kept goalless in the third quarter, with Fred Valpied opening the scoring, and goals from Billy Crofts and Zac Walker extending the lead.
The final term cemented an 80-point victory, as Walker kicked his fourth goal.
Up forward, Walker was the standout, booting four goals from 12 disposals and demonstrating composure and accuracy inside 50.
Arty Jones contributed three goals from 22 disposals, consistently hitting targets, while Anthony Scott added two goals from 19 disposals, applying strong forward pressure.
Valpied, Lachlan Smith, Caleb Poulter, Luca Muratore, Will Lewis and Dolan each contributed a goal, helping maintain the scoreboard momentum.
In the midfield, Adam Treloar dominated with 35 disposals, driving the play through the middle. Michael Sellwood and Luke Kennedy provided strong support with 20 disposals each.
Cooper Hynes influenced play with 24 disposals and 13 marks, applying heavy defensive pressure, while Taylor Duryea and Liam Jones consistently impacted with 18 and 17 disposals respectively.
Crofts and Cooper Craig-Peters were pivotal around the ground, collecting 18 and 24 disposals respectively while combining strong marking with precise ball use.
Nick Coffield added 19 disposals and seven tackles, contributing across both offensive and defensive phases, while Oskar Baker and Daniel Orgill supplied solid contributions to support the team’s overall structure.
Footscray will now head into a break, eagerly awaiting their Preliminary Final matchup.
Final score:
Footscray Bulldogs: 4.6 9.7 12.13 15.15 (105)
Frankston Dolphins: 1.1 2.2 2.5 3.7 (25)
Goals: Walker 4, Jones (Arthur) 3, Scott 2, Smith, Poulter, Lewis, Muratore, Dolan.
Coach's best: Walker, A. Jones, L. Jones, Craig-Peters, Treloar, L. Smith.
