The Footscray Bulldogs have fallen to Werribee in a tale of two halves at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Despite a competitive opening half which went Footscray’s way, it was the hosts who prevailed 16.6 (102) to 11.16 (82).
Both sides came out with plenty of intent, combining for nine goals in an entertaining first quarter that saw the Bulldogs take a seven-point lead into quarter time.
In the second term, Footscray generated repeat inside 50 entries and looked dangerous in attack, keeping the contest evenly poised.
The relentless pressure paid off late in the quarter, with Footscray slotting two important goals to hold the advantage at the main break.
Werribee responded after halftime, lifting its intensity around the contest and making the most of its opportunities going forward.
The hosts gradually wrestled back momentum, capitalising on their chances to regain the lead.
Despite Footscray continuing to fight until the final siren, Werribee proved too strong in the second half, pulling away to secure the 20-point victory in a nine-to-two-goal second-half.
Cooper Craig-Peters came out on top for Footscray with 27 disposals and a goal.
Luke Kennedy was strong with 11 tackles, while both Connor Smith and Kane Sexton had two goals apiece to their name.
Footscray will look to regroup ahead of a Friday afternoon match against the Kangaroos next week.
Match Details
WERRIBEE 4.1 7.2 13.3 16.6 (102)
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 5.2 9.6 9.9 11.16 (82)
Goals: C.Smith 2, Sexton 2, Billings, Craig-Peters, Gallagher, McNeil, Ramshaw, Edwards, Baker
Best: Craig-Peters, Gallagher, McNeil, Kennedy, Baker
