A FRENETIC final quarter comeback has secured Footscray an emotional VFL grand final victory, with the Bulldogs beating reigning premiers Box Hill on Sunday by 22 points.
The AFL's Western Bulldogs chose to end their VFL affiliation with Williamstown last year and so for the first time in almost two decades, the name Footscray returned to elite competition as they entered a team in the Victorian league.
For the success-starved club and their supporters, the 16.13 (109) to 13.9 (87) grand final win was the Bulldogs' first major trophy since they won their only VFL/AFL premiership in 1954.
Despite Box Hill's loss, there was some good news for AFL affiliates Hawthorn as star forward Cyril Rioli made it through his first game in three months and declared himself fit for grand final selection next Saturday against the Sydney Swans.
Box Hill held a six-point advantage at the final change and extended it to 18 points early in the last quarter, before a Bulldogs avalanche as mounting injuries took their toll.
While Billy Hartung (groin) and Luke Andrews (knee) were unable to play the final term, the medical staff decided that Rioli had done enough and would not return to the field.
The Dogs kicked three quick goals to level scores, before Christian Howard slotted a difficult shot from the forward pocket to give Footscray a six-point lead.
Footscray sealed the premiership when Liam Jones kicked two late goals to take his tally to five for the day.
Bulldogs Brett Goodes (30 disposals) and Lin Jong (31 disposals) were terrific in the win, and Jarrad Grant collected 20 touches and could have kicked more than his one goal if not for inaccuracy.
Goodes was named the Norm Goss Memorial medallist as best afield for his influential performance.
With senior-listed ruckman Ben McEvoy and midfielder Brad Sewell late withdrawals, adding to the selection intrigue that will surround Hawthorn in grand final week, other Hawks stood up in Box Hill's bid for back-to-back flags.
Mitch Hallahan (31 disposals) was excellent in the midfield, and James Sicily added some spice to the Hawks' attack with his speed and aerial exploits and booted three goals.
First-year wingman Hartung also kicked a goal from 15 disposals and provided plenty of run before suffering his injury in the last term.
Coach Chris Maple said it had been a remarkable run by his team.
When the club had decided to stand alone in the VFL, it wasn't even sure it would be able to field a side.
"To do what we have done is pretty special - words can't describe how I am feeling," he said.
"We know we are going in the right direction and the Bulldogs' style of play stands up in finals footy."
The match was played in front of 23,816 mostly Bulldogs fans, the highest crowd for the VFL in 25 years.
FOOTSCRAY 4.2 7.4 10.7 16.13 (109)
BOX HILL HAWKS 4.2 7.3 11.7 13.9 (87)
GOALS
Footscray: Jones 5, Dickson 2, Redpath 2, Campbell, Fogarty, Grant, Howard, Pearce, Tutt, Young
Box Hill Hawks: Sicily 3, Hallahan 2, Ross 2, Collins, Grimley, Hartung, Lowden, Willsmore, Woodward
BEST
Footscray: Jong, Goodes, Jones, Grant, Russell, Howard
Box Hill Hawks: Hallahan, Sicily, Ross, Litherland, Hartung, Woodward
