Anthony Barry notched the decisive score for Footscray – a behind – in Saturday’s thrilling one-point upset win over Casey Scorpions at a windswept Whitten Oval.
Hemmed up on the boundary with 33 minutes on the clock, Barry knew he was taking on a tough shot. He deliberately kicked his set shot across the goal face, let the wind take control and watched it curl in for a behind at the near side.
Moments later, the siren sounded to seal a dramatic Bulldogs win against the VFL ladder leader.
The never-say-die Dogs had come back from 30 points down at three-quarter time to keep their top-four hopes alive.
Kicking with the aid of a strong breeze, the Bulldogs registered 4.8 to one behind in the last quarter to claim a deserving victory.
The win was inspired by young gun Mitch Honeychurch, who had a major impact across half-back and through the midfield. Talls Jordan Staley and Will Minson kicked two goals apiece.
Footscray is one game outside the top four and has a winnable away game against Northern Blues on Sunday.
A major beneficiary of Footscray’s win was local rival Williamstown.
The Seagulls moved back to the top of the table after a solid 38-point win over Coburg at Burbank Oval. Ayce Cordy was a standout for the Seagulls with three goals, while Ben Jolley and Michael Gibbons were busy in the midfield.
The Seagulls face Port Melbourne at North Port Oval on Saturday.
