It was a bittersweet day for Footscray in the VFL on Saturday.
The Bulldogs were delighted with the successful return to action of young defender Roarke Smith from a long-term knee injury.
No. 1 draft pick Tom Boyd kicked four goals but remains under a club-imposed suspension from playing AFL after a scuffle with teammate Zaine Cordy.
And midfielder Koby Stevens showed his quality with 39 possessions in a comeback from abdominal strain.
All good for the Bulldogs – until you look at the scoreboard.
The Dogs turned just nine of 28 scoring shots into goals and paid the price with a 12-point loss to Coburg Lions on the road at Piranha Park. The Bulldogs will be looking to bounce back when they host Richmond at the Whitten Oval on Saturday.
Williamstown had some conversion woes of its own but still managed a comfortable 28-point win over North Ballarat at Burbank Oval on Sunday.
The Seagulls will face Box Hill Hawks in a re-match of last year’s grand final at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.
In WRFL division 1, Altona had a gutsy 16-point win on the road over St Albans to consolidate its hold on fourth spot. Elliot Cavallaro was named best for the Vikings.
Spotswood was no match for Hoppers Crossing, which claimed a comfortable 51-point win.
In division 2, North Footscray mauled Manor Lakes by 184 points with Max Rampling kicking six goals and four each to Tyson Bock, Lucas Hall and Tyren Montebruno.
Parkside moved to the top of division 3 after beating Newport Power by 56 points.
Matthew Shepperbottom booted five goals for the Magpies.
