Footscray will enter Sunday’s VFL grand final against the Box Hill Hawks full of confidence after a stirring preliminary final victory over Port Melbourne last Saturday.
A barnstorming 10-goal final quarter blitz and best-on-ground performance by young Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong propelled the Dogs into contention for the flag.
PICTURE GALLERY: VFL preliminary final: Footscray v Port Melbourne
In a game played at frenetic pace before a crowd of more than 5000, Footscray booted 14 goals to seven in the second half to power clear of the Borough.
Footscray’s outside run through the midfield was impressive, with eyecatching displays from the pacy Jason Johannisen and veteran Brett Goodes, while up forward Liam Jones stood tall with four goals.
Jong celebrated his upgrade to the Western Bulldogs senior list in style with a dominant display through the midfield and two goals in the last term.
After an even first term, the Dogs slipped 22 points down early in the second before clawing back the deficit to 10 by half time.
The third quarter went goal for goal before Footscray’s talls started to exert their influence.
Footscray booted three of the last four goals of the term through Ayce Cordy, Tom Campbell and Jack Redpath to head for the final change with a three-point break.
The Dogs extended the lead to 15 early in the final term before Port answered with two quick goals, despite being hit by injuries.
Then Footscray made its move.
After Will Hayes snapped a brilliant goal from a pack, Mitch Honeychurch received two 50-metres penalties to take him to the goal square. When Redpath converted a set shot and Goodes thumped a 50-metre running goal, it was all over. The Dogs stormed home, kicking seven of the last 10 goals.
Their coach Chris Maple said he was proud of the efforts of his young squad, particularly 21-year-old Jong.
“He’s had a fantastic year,” Maple said. “He has some good speed and power, he’s very courageous, and he hit the scoreboard a few times.”
Maple said Western Bulldogs supporters had plenty of reasons to be excited about the young talent coming through, but he would urge his team not to get “caught up in the moment” ahead of Sunday’s final.
“We’ve had a real focus all year of no matter who we play, where we play or when we play, nothing changes, and we’ll be taking that mantra into the game,” he said.
