The Footscray Bulldogs have kept their finals hopes alive with a commanding 12.25 (97) to 7.9 (51) victory over North Melbourne at Arden Street Oval on a sunny Friday afternoon.
With both sides looking to strengthen their run home, the contest opened at a high intensity.
The teams traded goals throughout the first quarter, with neither side able to gain a significant advantage.
The Kangaroo’s defensive pressure made it difficult for the Footscray forwards, forcing rushed shots and limiting scoring efficiency.
Both sides continued to battle hard in the second term, with inaccuracy in front of goal the only thing separating Footscray from a significant margin, keeping the contest remaining tight heading into the main break.
But the visitors found another gear after halftime.
Three unanswered goals in the third quarter, combined with repeat inside 50 entries and relentless pressure, helped the visitors open up a decisive break on the scoreboard heading into the final term.
Footscray continued to build late, adding four goals in the last quarter to put the result beyond doubt.
Strong ball movement and relentless attacking pressure proved too much for the Kangaroos as the Bulldogs ran away with an impressive 46-point victory.
Cooper Craig-Peters found his way to the top of Footscray’s stats with 31 disposals and five tackles.
Khaled El Souki was outstanding on debut with three goals, while Jack Billings and Kane Sexton were not too far behind with two goals each.
Head Coach Alex Johnson was pleased with today’s win, while acknowledging a finals berth is still mathematically possible.
“It was pleasing to put a lot of scores on the board,” said Johnson.
"There is still obviously a chance and you want to be able to play footy in the right way, and get things in order.”
The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to their final home-and-away match of the season, taking on Carlton at Mission Whitten Oval on Sunday morning.
Match Details
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.2 5.5 5.7 7.9 (51)
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 4.4 4.12 7.15 12.25 (97)
Goals: El Souki 3, Billings 2, Sexton 2, Orgill, Muratore, Ramshaw, Vandermeer, Kennedy
Best: Craig-Peters, Billings, Orgill, Gallagher, Cleary, Kennedy
