By Lance Jenkinson
Footscray held off a fast finishing Casey Demons for a seven-point win in the Victorian Football League at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
The Bulldogs appeared to be coasting to victory, leading by 21 at three quarter time, but Casey refused to give in, kicking the final three goals of the match to make it a nervous finish for Bulldogs fans.
It was a fairly even spread of contributors in the midfield for Footscray with youngster Rhylee West leading the way with 24 disposals, while Callum Porter, Will Hayes and Lin Jong also registered in the 20s, along with defender Fletcher Roberts.
Reuben William was lively around goal with three majors, while there were two each for Bailey Dale, Jong, Anthony Scott and Mitch Wallis.
Dale’s two goal, 14-possession game was achieved in a half of football as he was taken off the ground at half-time to be the emergency for the Western Bulldogs in the AFL.
Footscray’s victory has seen it consolidate third spot on the ladder ahead of a trip to Sandringham on Sunday.
Williamstown has opened up a two-game-and-percentage break between itself in fourth place and the fifth placed Box Hill Hawks.
The Seagulls showed tremendous spirit to come away with an eight-point win over Collingwood on the road at Victoria Park.
Williamstown will be back on the road for clash with Northern Blues at Preston City Oval on Sunday.
In the VFL Women’s, Western Bulldogs ventured out to Casey Fields and returned with a 10-point win over Casey Demons.
The Bulldogs have snuck into the top four ahead of a clash with second placed Southern Saints at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday. Williamstown is licking its wounds after a 25-point loss to Collingwood at Victoria Park. One-win Williamstown will see its clash with second-last Carlton at Ikon Park on Sunday as a winnable game.
