Footscray are heading to the Grand Final.
The Dogs sealed their spot in the 2025 VFL Grand Final with a 31-point victory over the Hawks in a dominant performance at Mission Whitten Oval.
It was a fierce battle from the first bounce with both teams looking to get the game on their own terms immediately.
While the Hawks would slot the first goal of the game, the Dogs would wrestle back control an unanswered run of four goals – including two to Will Lewis.
Lewis was unstoppable in the first half, proving to be a real problem for the Box Hill defenders.
His third goal in the second term would see the home team open up a 24-point lead at the main break.
In the middle of the ground, the Bulldogs’ AFL-listed players were a class above.
Anthony Scott was unstoppable finishing the day with 37 disposals, 11 contested possessions and nine clearances.
Scott was equally supported by the class and poise of Adam Treloar, while Billy Crofts and Lachie Jaques also contributed throughout the afternoon.
The third quarter provided some nervous moments for the Dogs with the Hawks surging to cut the half-time lead and bring themselves back into the game.
However, a run of goals to Zac Walker, Caleb Poulter and a fifth goal to Will Lewis put Footscray in the box seat with a 30-point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Dogs put the Hawks to the sword in the last quarter, a run of three unanswered goals to begin the term ending any hope the opposition may have had at a comeback.
A 31-point victory sees the Dogs head into next Sunday’s Grand Final full of confidence.
Footscray will face the Southport Sharks next week after the Sharks’ defeated Frankston to secure their place in their second-consecutive VFL Grand Final.
More details about the game will be confirmed in the coming days.
Match Summary
Footscray 5.4 8.7 12.9 16.12 (108)
Box Hill 3.2 4.7 7.9 11.11 (77)
Goals: 5 Lewis, 4 Walker, 2 Hynes, 2 Dolan, Poulter, Kellett , Craig-Peters
Best: Scott, Lewis, Treloar, Hynes, Busslinger
Crowd: 5,106 at Mission Whitten Oval
