Josh Schache nails match-winning goal in Footscray’s one-point VFL victory over Richmond

BULLDOGS recruit Josh Schache was ice cool under pressure as Footscray claimed a nail-biting one-point VFL victory over Richmond at Whitten Oval.

An elated Josh Schache celebrates his matchwinning with teammate Alex Greenwood on Saturday night. Picture: Getty Images

JOSH Schache was ice cool under pressure as Footscray claimed a nailbiting one-point VFL victory over Richmond on Saturday night.

The 2015 No. 2 AFL draft pick, who arrived at Whitten Oval over the off-season after crossing from the Brisbane Lions, nailed a goal from outside the 50m arc with only 25 seconds left in the contest.

BALLARAT: BULLDOGS SNATCH WIN IN UGLY CONTEST

Schache marked his return from an ankle injury with three goals in his side’s 11.5 (71) to 9.16 (70) win over last year’s grand finalist.

“A magnificent kick by Lukas Webb to set it up,” Footscray coach Steve Grace said.

Recap the #PJVFL Rd 5 Saturday results with wins to @EssendonVFL @BoxHillHawks @NBluesFC @CollingwoodFC and @FootscrayVFL. https://t.co/MXbA7UfePf

Also, see the last minute winning goal for the Bulldogs from @Schache23 v @RichmondVFL below. #GetInvolved pic.twitter.com/49w6FhQjW5

— #PJVFL / #SwisseVFLW (@VFL) May 6, 2018

Josh Schache celebrates the winning goal.

“It just typified how our players executed on the night — they were absolutely brilliant.

“It was pretty special stuff by both players at that moment.”

The Dogs trailed by six points at the main break before a four-goal-to-one third term swung the match in their favour.

The home side led by 9 points at the final change and kicked the first goal of the final quarter before the Tigers responded with the next three to secure a five-point advantage at the 23-minute mark.

Eight minutes later, 20-year-old Schache had the final say when he converted the matchwinner.

Josh Wallis racks up one his 30 possessions for Footscray. Picture: Getty Images

The success improved Footscray’s record to 2-2 ahead of Saturday’s clash against reigning premier Port Melbourne away from home.

“I haven’t been part of a game, outside finals, where players show such spirit,” Grace said.

“A lot of (AFL) listed players and a club that’s up and flying, Richmond, and we keep blooding new players. We had probably six blokes who haven’t played much VFL football at all. After (the win over Richmond), there’s no reason why anything isn’t possible for this group.

“You’ve always got to have a bit of luck to win a game by a point. When you kick straight, you get the benefits.

Will Hayes in action for Footscray at Whitten Oval. Picture: Getty Images

“Seven of those 11 (goals) — there might be one or two either side of the seven — were 50m set shots. It’s something we work hard on and … being able to take your chances with difficult shots like that, there’s no luck in that.

“We put them under enough pressure, we thought, to squeeze them outside in the corridor. Some of their shots weren’t that easy, so that’s good defence.”

Josh Wallis shone for Footscray with 30 possessions, while Webb (21 disposals) and Jackson Trengove (20) also impressed.

The Dogs are likely to regain Angus Monfries and Andrew Tashevski-Beckwith from injury this weekend.