The Footscray Bulldogs have fallen to St Kilda by 37 points, going down 19.11 (125) to 13.10 (88) at RSEA Park.
With St Kilda coming off a draw and the Bulldogs looking to bounce back from their loss last week, both sides entered the contest desperate to secure the four points.
The Saints started strongly, applying early scoreboard pressure, before Footscray found their footing late and generating a string of inside 50 entries, converting three goals to stay within the game.
The intensity lifted in the second quarter as both teams battled fiercely around the contest.
Footscray worked hard to narrow the margin, but the Saints used precise ball movement to maintain their advantage.
Inaccuracies in front of goal frustrated both sides, preventing either team from capitalising on their dominance.
As the sun began to set, Footscray threw everything at the contest, kicking three late goals and refusing to give up.
Despite the late surge, the Saints ran away with the victory on their home deck.
Josh Dolan came out on top of Footscray’s stats with 27 disposals and five score involvements.
Kane Sexton had a solid run with three goals, while Caleb May claimed two goals and 31 hit outs. Lachie Smith was also impactful with 34 hit outs and 16 disposals.
Footscray will head into a Round 14 bye and look to regroup for the back-half of the season.
Match Details
ST KILDA 3.4 7.8 13.10 19.11 (125)
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 4.4 5.6 9.9 13.10 (88)
Goals: Sexton 3, May 2, Billings, Dolan, Ramshaw, C.Smith, Gallagher, Vandermeer, Emmett, Davidson
Best: L.Smith, Dolan, Sexton, Busslinger, Craig-Peters
