VFL 2018: Footscray succumbs to last-quarter Williamstown blitz at Burbank Oval

FOOTSCRAY coughed up a sizeable three-quarter-time lead as they were steamrolled by Williamstown in the final term of Saturday’s VFL clash at Burbank Oval.

Footscray coach Steve Grace was left disappointed by his side’s last term. Picture: Mark Dadswell

FOOTSCRAY coughed up a sizeable three-quarter-time lead as they were steamrolled by Williamstown in the final term of Saturday’s VFL clash at Burbank Oval.

The visitors held a 20-point advantage at the last break before the Seagulls piled on seven goals to two in an awe-inspiring last half-hour to prevail by 10 points, 11.15 (81) to 10.11 (71).

The loss left Footscray out of the top eight at 7-7, with Ben Cavarra spearheading Williamstown’s triumph.

Footscray coach Steve Grace was left disappointed by his side’s last term. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“It was pretty disappointing,” Dogs coach Steve Grace said.

“We did a lot right in the third quarter and had completely got on top of them. Five goals straight, 20-point lead and narrowly missed a goal right on the siren.

“We just didn’t sustain the effort around the ball and gave them first access around the contest and then they spread hard forward with energy.

“We weren’t able to put the clamps on Ben Cavarra, who cut loose and kicked three and helped set up a couple of others.”

Grace said the breeze, which went across the ground, did not play a part Williamstown’s last-quarter blitz despite the fact 17 of the game’s 21 goals were kicked at one end.

While the Bulldogs went down, there were positives, with Will Hayes racking up 25 possessions and big man Tim English returning 18 disposals and 52 hit-outs.

Grace was also impressed with the efforts of Fletcher Roberts and Lauchlan Dalgleish, while Fergus Greene and Angus Monfries contributed three goals each.

Lauchlan Dalgleish was one of Footscray’s best. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We were able to hold them to four goals at three-quarter-time. They’re a high-scoring team and have got some good scoring power,” he said.

“I think there were 15 VFL players out there (for Footscray) and some of them have played two, three, four games.

“We’re proud of how they went. Young Callum Porter was the only AFL midfielder or high forward or wingman that we had in the side.

“The experience we’re getting into guys who have played virtually no VFL football is really pleasing.”

The Dogs have the bye this weekend and will next tackle Frankston at Whitten Oval on August 4.