Full-forward Tom Boyd kicked a game- sealing goal to help Footscray win a thriller over Port Melbourne by three points in the Victorian Football League at Whitten Oval on Saturday.
The Bulldogs gave up the lead deep into time-on of the last quarter and all appeared to be lost until Boyd was held off the ball while attempting to lead. The umpire awarded a free kick 20 metres out directly in front and Boyd kicked his fifth goal of the game.
Boyd has kicked 11 goals in his past three games and is staking a claim for a recall to the AFL side, as are Mitch Honeychurch and Nathan Hrovat, who have been consistent performers in recent weeks.
It was a crucial win for the Bulldogs, who are a game clear in fourth spot, which comes with a finals double chance.
The defending champions, who face fifth- placed Essendon at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo, on Friday night, still have a slight chance of snatching a home final.
Meanwhile, Western Bulldogs lost their fourth straight AFL women’s game to Melbourne by four points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Bulldogs were controversially denied the chance of a late comeback when the final siren sounded 90 seconds earlier than it should have because of contractual obligations for a later match.
After a slow start, the Bulldogs trailed by 19 points at half-time but came home with a wet sail to make it a nervous finish for the Demons. Katie Brennan was the Bulldogs’ most potent attacking force with four of her side’s five goals.
Lance Jenkinson
