Footscray had to cash in its VFL double chance after losing by 40 points to Box Hill Hawks in the qualifying final at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.
The Bulldogs fielded a significantly weakened side after the AFL arm of its operation suffered a number of injury setbacks on the eve of finals.
It had the knock-on effect, and the Hawks feasted in the last three quarters, kicking 16 of the last 24 goals of the match to run out winners … a bitter pill after the Dogs had led by 13 points at quarter-time.
With the Western Bulldogs on the verge of their first AFL finals campaign in five years, the VFL game may not have been a total wipe-out for a number of players, who had the chance to put their hands up for senior selection.
Midfielder Lin Jong was Footscray’s most impressive performer, capping a great personal outing in the midfield with two goals.
Ruckman Will Minson and goal-sneak Bailey Dale were two others to thrust their names forward for selection.
Will Hayes was dangerous for the Bulldogs with four goals.
Hayes polled the fourth-most votes (six) for Footscray at the Liston Trophy count on Monday night.
Top-polling Bulldogs were the ever-consistent Nathan Hrovat (10), Lachie Hunter (nine) and Ayce Cordy (eight).
Meanwhile, excitement is building across the west as the Western Bulldogs prepare for their AFL elimination final against Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night.
Supporters camped out to secure the best seats for the big game.
The Bulldogs are calling on fans to march to the MCG as one ahead of the game against the Crows.
They are hoping to turn Federation Square into a sea of red, white and blue at 5pm, before making the walk to the G.
Meanwhile, one-time Western Bulldogs star Daniel Cross has played his last game in the AFL after finishing up with Melbourne last Sunday.
Cross played 249 AFL games, including 210 with the Bulldogs, where he won a Charles Sutton Medal for club best-and-fairest. He also represented Australia in the international rules on two occasions.
