The Footscray Bulldogs remain in seventh place on the VFL ladder after going down to western suburbs rivals Williamstown by 38 points in blustery conditions at Victoria University Whitten Oval on Sunday.
Michael Fogarty started the Bulldogs off the right way, kicking the first goal of the game at the four minute mark, but it was to be the first and only Footscray goal of the term.
Ashley Hansen’s men were left ruing missed opportunities when the quarter time siren sounded, taking just the two point lead into the first change despite the aid of a strong breeze blowing hard toward the Geelong Road end.
The Seagulls weren’t going to make the same mistake when they got their opportunity in the second term, dominating the inside 50 count 27 to 6 and taking a 20 point lead into the main break.
Both sides struggled in the conditions during a scrappy third quarter, and as the teams broke out of their huddles to begin the last quarter, the Williamstown lead was just 19 points and Footscray were well within striking distance.
The Seagulls then found another gear, taking 13 shots at goal to Footscray’s two to close out the match with authority, ending any hopes of a red, white and blue victory.
Roarke Smith worked hard all day and was best afield for the Scray. Brent Prismall again led from the front with 24 disposals and Shane Biggs was influential with 19 touches and five tackles.
The Bulldogs are now 4-3 on the year and Hansen said that he thought it was a fair indication of where his team was placed at this point of the season.
“I think our record is an accurate reflection of where we’re at as a side. We’ve played some really good footy but we’ve also been inconsistent at times as well.
“Our percentage, which might have copped a little bit of a hit today, still indicates we’re still playing the right way but our win-loss record probably reflects the inconsistencies we’ve had early in the season.”
With a bye next week before a long run of games to come, Hansen is still optimistic about his team’s chances as they move into the second half of the season.
“We’re in a similar position to where we were last year so we’ll stay true to our development focus and keep getting our players better.
“I’m really confident that by the back end of our year we’ll produce some good football.”
Footscray take on the Richmond Tigers at the ME Bank Centre on Saturday 20 June at 12:00pm.
Footscray Bulldogs 1.3 2.3 3.7 5.7 (37)
Williamstown Seagulls 1.1 4.11 5.13 9.22 (75)
Goals: Cordy, Buchannan, Jameison, Redpath, Fogarty
Best: Smith, Prismall, Biggs, Hunter, Buchannan, Coughlan
