Footscray has banked the four points after a gritty 20-point victory over Collingwood at Mission Whitten Oval.
The ‘Scray came out with a point to prove, ready to put a four-game losing streak to rest and doing just that in the 14.8 (92) to 10.12 (72) affair.
It was a close first half, with both teams contesting well. Jack Billings empowered the side with two late goals going into the first break, before a steady second quarter had fans anticipating a big second half.
Despite a Collingwood surge in the final quarter, Footscray managed to keep their composure in the dying minutes to secure the win.
Bulldogs' mid-season draft pick Caleb May made his presence known, kicking his first career goal in the VFL while totalling 38 hit-outs and 10 disposals in his red, white and blue debut.
Jack Billings led the stats for Footscray, stacking up 26 disposals, 14 contested possessions and five tackles, as well as kicking three majors.
Skipper Dan Orgill was reliable with 19 disposals and 11 tackles, while Connor Smith and Luca Muratore both kicked two goals to help lead Footscray to victory.
Head Coach Alex Johson was pleased with his team taking care of the fundamentals in a high-contest game.
“The last five or ten minutes when the game was on the line, the boys really stood up and the stats reflect that, so that was pleasing," Johnson said.
“It’s good to be back on the right side of the ledger.”
The Dogs are back on the road next week, facing Box Hill at Box Hill City Oval next Saturday.
Match Details
FOOTSCRAY VFL 4.2 6.4 10.5 14.8 (92)
COLLINGWOOD VFL 3.3 5.6 8.9 10.12 (72)
Goals: Billings 3, Muratore 2, C.Smith 2, Emmett, Darcy, May, Gallagher, Howard, Baker, Phipps-Parsons
Best: Billings, Gallagher, Walker, Emmett, Gardiner, Orgill
