VFL: Footscray hold out Coburg.

Footscray have held off a last quarter fightback from Coburg to win their round eleven VFL clash at Piranha Park and record consecutive wins for the first time this year. On a chilly afternoon the Bulldogs appeared to be in control for the majority of the match, however Coburg stuck at it booting the last five goals of the game to go down by ten points - 11.12.78 to 10.8.68.

 Dog's co-captain Josh Prudden and Fraser Greene were the only multiple goal kickers for the winners with two each while Peter McEvoy snared three for Coburg and small forward Hisham Kerbatieh kicked two. Will Hayes (27 possessions) covered plenty of ground to figure in Footscray's best along with Lin Jong (20), Greene (18) and Josh Dunkley (20 touches) who were all good in support.

Coburg were well served by Harrison Nolan and Ryan Exon across half-back while Ben Allan and Marcus Lentin (33 touches) worked tirelessly through the midfield with Jesse Corigliano (32 disposals) in support. The Bulldogs were made to work hard early at a ground they have had trouble at in previous visits. 

 With AFL coach, Luke Beveridge, looking on, Footscray struggled for any free ball movement as the home side applied plenty of pressure at the ball carrier. Jordan Roughead and Tom Campbell were on top in the ruck contests for the Dogs and Campbell goaled nearing time-on in the second term to give them a 23-point lead. A late goal to McEvoy reduced the deficit to seventeen points at the main break.

 When former Essendon and Port Adelaide midfielder, Angus Monfries, kicked truly midway through the third quarter the difference was 25 points and in a low scoring affair it seemed the more experienced and harder bodies of the Bulldogs would take control. Coburg youngster Joshua Weightman snapped a late goal to the plaudits of Lions fans on the terraces and the margin was back to seventeen points at the final change.

 Footscray put the foot down early into the final quarter kicking the first four goals thanks to Prudden (2), Mullenger-McHugh and then Elijah Wales booted his first goal for the Dogs in the fourteenth minute to give them a game-high lead of 41 points and it appeared all over.

 But as you expect from a Coburg side on their own turf, they dug deep, kicking the last five of the game. Kerbatieh' second with a minute to play reducing the lead to just ten points. However the buzzer beat the Lions who are still searching for their maiden win this season. 

 Coach Leigh Adams would have been heartened with his side's spirit and fight and a win appears to be edging closer. Footscray have been inconsistent through the year so far and injuries to their AFL partner would be causing plenty of team discussion at the selection table as coach Steve Grace tries to build momentum in their season. 

They sit a game outside the top eight and face North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in an important round twelve clash. Coburg head to Casey Fields in a tough away encounter with the second placed Casey Demons. 

For full match details log onto the VFL website here