Footscray couldn’t have asked for a better return to football in the VFL, recording a 117-point win against Richmond on Saturday at Whitten Oval.
In a match that saw both teams play as stand-alone sides, it was the Bulldogs who proved too strong, winning 26.9 (165) – 7.6 (48).
PICTURE GALLERY: Footscray Bulldogs v Richmond
Bulldogs coach Chris Maple said it was a bit of an unknown how both sides would go.
“We got our defensive structures right and our tackling pressure was really good,” he said.
“Our ball use was exciting at times and our work rate is something I was impressed with.”
Maple said he was also happy with how his players ran out the match by kicking 15 goals in the second half and with the spread of goal-kickers.
“It shows the condition the boys are in and that we’ve done a good job over the summer to get them to that level,” he said.
Western Bulldogs-listed players Ayce Cordy (five goals) and Tory Dickson (four) did their bit for the scoreline, but it was the VFL players who most impressed Maple.
“I thought VFL-listed players Nick Lower, Nicholas Jamieson, Jase Perkins and Michael Fogarty were all really good,” he said. “It sends a good message to players locally [in leagues such as the WRFL] that we will give you a go – an opportunity.”
Footscray takes on Williamstown this Sunday in the first match between the two teams since splitting in the off-season.
The Seagulls have started with two losses, including a four-point defeat at the hands of the Northern Blues on Sunday after leading at every break.
In a high-scoring game, the Seagulls weren’t able to hold off the Blues, going down 15.11 (101) – 14.13 (97).
Anthony Anastasio kicked four goals for the Seagulls, while Cameron Lockwood was the best player.
