They say what lies beneath the surface is often a mystery.

If that is the case, Sunday’s VFL Grand Final will give Bulldogs fans a chance to demystify, peel back the layers and gleen the talent building in the Kennel’s ranks.

When the Footscray Bulldogs returned to the VFL at the start of season 2014, the focus was locked on player development.

As the season has progressed though the reward has not only been seen in skill acquisition, but also in the culture that is building among the young playing group.

“It’s very exciting for the Club,” said Football Operations Manager Ben Graham.

“There’s a lot of boys there learning their craft and creating that winning culture.”

Learning to play in the big games, stand up in the big moments, and win important finals has since become part of the development curve of the Footscray side.

“That’s the reason why we wanted to implement the VFL side, to fast track the development of our AFL talent.”

For some of the players lining up on Sunday, 12 months ago they were playing VFL Development League football at Williamstown under the old alliance.

A year on and players like Alex Greenwood and Lin Jong will have key roles in Sunday’s flag tilt at Etihad Stadium.??“He’s a great story [Lin], only 21, just been elevated to the senior list, signed a two year deal, and he is an amazing athlete, he’s so powerful,” said Graham.

“Again we can’t speak highly enough of our Development Program, headed by Chris Maple.

“That’s where they cut their teeth in the VFL, and Lin has certainly been a great product (of that) certainly this year.”