Footscray has continued its perfect start to the 2026 Smithy’s VFL Season with a 47-point win over Essendon.

The first of an Easter Sunday double-header at Marvel Stadium, a seven-goal-to-one final-quarter blitz helped the Dogs seal an 18.10 (118) to 10.11 (71) victory.

Kicking four of the first five goals of the opening term, Essendon looked in control early before the Bulldogs were able to arrest momentum on the eve of quarter-time.

With just two points separating the two sides at the first break, the second quarter was much the same, as momentum continued to shift throughout.

Heading into the main break with a four-point deficit, the Dogs were quick to respond after half-time with a Jack Billings major.

Billings would be the Dogs’ sole goalkicker in this term, booting three to the Dons’ one.

03:01

Jack Billings | "Tiring game but glad to have the 4 points"

Jack speaks on the VFL win over Essendon and his role in the VFL and AFL programs

It was all red, white and blue after that, with the ‘Scray storming home seven goals to one in the last.

Billings finished with a game-high five goals, while Louis Emmett impressed with three majors from 21 disposals.

Will Darcy also booted three of his own, while Cooper Craig-Peters (28 disposals, eight tackles), Nick Coffield (27 disposals, eight marks) and Lachy Carmichael (22 disposals, seven marks) were among the leading ball-winners.

Footscray will have another bye next weekend, as the league prepares for its Gather Round representative match against the SANFL.

MATCH STATS

FOOTSCRAY 5.1 8.3 11.6 18.10 (118)
ESSENDON 5.3 8.7 9.8 10.11 (71)

Goals: Billings 5, Emmett 3, Darcy 3, Lewis 2, Smith, Saunders, Maple, Hynes, Craig-Peters.
Best: Billings, Craig-Peters, Coffield, Emmett, Gallagher, Lewis.