The Footscray Bulldogs have continued their unbeaten start to the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season, storming home to defeat the Geelong Cats by 33 points.
In a scrappy, hard‑fought contest, the Bulldogs overturned a half‑time deficit to claim a 12.12 (84) to 7.9 (51) victory at GMHBA Stadium.
Geelong made the most of a strong opening‑term breeze, but Footscray steadied through Laith Vandermeer, who slotted two first‑quarter majors to drag the ‘Scray back into the contest.
Blustery conditions continued to test both sides in the second quarter. While Geelong’s relentless forward‑half pressure kept the Bulldogs under strain, the margin at the main break was just seven points as neither side was able to fully capitalise.
The Cats came out firing after half time, kicking three consecutive goals as Footscray struggled with inaccuracy into the breeze.
Despite a sluggish start to the third term, the Bulldogs responded emphatically, hitting the front for the first time thanks to goals from Josh Dolan, Connor Smith and Vandermeer.
As the sun faded over Kardinia Park, so did Geelong’s impact on the contest. Footscray produced another trademark strong finish, piling on five final‑quarter goals while keeping the Cats scoreless in the last stanza.
Veteran Bulldog Adam Treloar was outstanding, fresh off a skills session with the Duke of Sussex, finishing with 41 disposals, 10 clearances and six score involvements.
Captain Dan Orgill enjoyed his best outing of the season to date, recording 23 touches, seven tackles and his first goal of the 2026 campaign.
Josh Dolan and Laith Vandermeer each finished with three goals, while Ryan Gardner and Lachie McNeil were pivotal in defence, tallying 10 and eight intercept possessions respectively.
Footscray will return home to Mission Whitten Oval next Friday morning to face the Sydney Swans’ VFL side, who enter the clash on a two‑game winning streak.
Match Details
GEELONG CATS 3.1 5.3 7.7 7.9 (51)
FOOTSCRAY VFL 2.1 4.2 7.8 12.12 (84)
Goals: Vandermeer 3, Dolan 3, C. Smith, Orgill, W. Darcy, Walker, Muratore, McNeil
Best: Treloar, Busslinger, Craig-Peters, McNeil, Gardner, Coffield
