The Footscray Bulldogs have finished their home-and-away season with a 31-point loss to Carlton, going down 9.6 (60) 13.13 (91) on a sunny Sunday morning at Mission Whitten Oval. 

While the Blues controlled possession in the opening quarter, Footscray struggled to make an early impact on the scoreboard. 

The hosts lifted in the second quarter though, bringing more grit around the contest and making it difficult for the visitors to move beyond defensive 50.

Footscray's pressure increased as the term went on, but still trailed the Blues heading into the main break.

06:02

VFL R21 | Match Highlights

Highlights from the Smithy's VFL clash between Footscray and Carlton

Footscray opened the third term with a snap in front of goal to narrow the gap and provide some early momentum. 

But the Blues responded strongly, winning territory and capitalising on their forward-50 opportunities to build a lead that proved difficult to overcome in the end.

Jack Billings kicked two goals, while Jedd Busslinger collected a team-high 31 disposals. 

Cooper Craig-Peters was close behind with 30 disposals, six tackles and 12 clearances, as was Luke Cleary's 28 disposals and nine marks.

The result brings Footscray's 2026 VFL home-and-away campaign to a close.

Match Details

FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 2.2 5.3 7.4 9.6 (60)
CARLTON 5.3 7.6 9.11 13.13 (91)

Goals: Billings 2, Smith, Ramshaw, Vandermeer, Muratore, Howard, W Darcy, Walker. 
Best: Cleary, Billings, Craig-Peters, McNeil, Baker