A late Footscray surge wasn't enough to overcome Carlton on Saturday afternoon, going down by 20 points at IKON Park.
It was a strong start for the ‘Scray, kicking five straight to quarter time with contributions from Luca Muratore (two goals), Luke Kennedy, Cooper Craig-Peters and Stirling Phipps-Parsons.
The second quarter saw a similar narrative to the first, with an even contest from both teams.
Jordan Croft and Connor Smith joined the goal-scoring list, while Dan Orgill kicked a captain's goal to lead the Dogs into the major break.
Momentum for the ‘Scray dropped in the second half as Carlton came out firing in the third quarter, with a seven unanswered goal-run.
A goal flurry from the ‘Scray tightened the margin in the last quarter, but was ultimately left too late as the hosts ran away with a 20-point victory.
Luke Clearly led the Footscray stats, racking up 25 disposals, while Craig-Peters was reliable with 23 disposals and 15 contested possessions.
Orgill and Phipps-Parsons both kicked three each to help keep Footscray in the contest.
Head Coach Alex Johnson said consistency will be key heading into next week.
“It was obviously a disappointing result," Johnson said.
"Our contest wasn’t up to standard and we fueled their game. It’s disappointing to get beaten by what you know - we’re a young group searching for consistency.”
Footscray will travel to Casey Fields next Sunday to face the Casey Demons in a VFL-VFLW double-header.
Match Details
CARLTON 4.6 6.11 13.13 16.21
FOOTSCRAY 5.0 9.2 9.7 15.7
Goals: Phipps-Parsons 3, Orgill 3, Smith 2, Muratore 2, Kennedy, Darcy, Croft, Craig-Peters, Cleary.
Best: Craig-Peters, Cleary, Kennedy, Phipps-Parsons, Orgill, Smith.
