The Footscray Bulldogs have extended their winning streak to eight games, narrowly defeating a gallant North Melbourne by 11 points at VU Whitten Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Little separated the teams for most of the game in a scrappy contest, with the Bulldogs holding on to claim a 10.7 (67) to 8.8 (56) win to remain the competition’s only undefeated team in 2021. 

The Roos got off to a strong start – with six scoring shots to two in the first quarter – taking a nine-point lead into quarter time.  

In his first VFL appearance for 2021, defender Hayden Crozier was crucial in denying the North Melbourne forward line, collecting 28 disposals and ten marks. 

Crozier provided a defensive roadblock in combination with another strong performance from Buku Khamis (13 disposals, eight marks). 

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VFL RD 12 | Match Highlights

Footscray continued their hot form in Round 12 of the VFL, beating North Melbourne to remain unbeaten for the season so far.

Adding another dominant performance to his 2021 collection, Robbie McComb’s (28 disposals, eight tackles and a goal) strength around the ball was hard to miss.  

Partnering with Will Hayes’ (25 disposals) outside run and carry, the ‘Scray were able to eventually find ways to break free from the relentless pressure from the Kangaroos.

Ben Cavarra (16 disposals, nine tackles) and Louis Butler (21 disposals) were influential and kicked two goals each. Young forward Dom Bedendo also chipped in with two majors. 

Both teams tried to maximise their opportunity to score with a strong breeze. A six-goal second term from the Bulldogs proved the difference in the end. 

The Roos refused to go away, as they closed the gap to three-points at the nine-minute mark of the fourth. But the composure of the ‘Scray remained as they were able to secure their eighth consecutive win. 

Footscray now look ahead to facing Sydney next weekend, with match details to be confirmed during the week.

 

FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS   2.0       8.2       8.5       10.7     (67)

NORTH MELBOURNE          3.3       5.3       6.8       8.8       (56)

 

Goals

Footscray Bulldogs: Bedendo 2, Cavarra 2, Butler 2, McComb, McNeil, Schache, Ugle-Hagan.

Best

Footscray Bulldogs: Crozier, Hayes, McComb, Cavarra, Sullivan, Butler, West, Khamis.

VFL Round 12 | Footscray Bulldogs v North Melbourne

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Round 12 VFL match between Footscray and North Melbourne at VU Whitten Oval on July 4, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Eleanor Armstrong)
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