Footscray has fallen 10 points short to Southport in the 2025 VFL Grand Final rematch on Saturday morning.

Despite a late charge, the Bulldogs couldn’t close the gap in the 12.8 (80) to 10.10 (70) affair in Queensland.

The last three meetings now between the two sides have been 10 points the difference.

The hosts led from start to finish, holding Footscray to a one-goal opening quarter while adding four of their own.

The Bulldogs were able to wrestle back momentum in the second, with consecutive goals from Jordan Croft, Will Darcy and Laird Ramshaw pegging back the margin.

Still trailing by 10 points at the main break, the Bulldogs came out firing in a contested third term.

But despite the Dogs’ best efforts late, the hosts held onto a 10-point buffer in wet and windy conditions.

Cooper Hynes collected a team-high 21 disposals, while Cooper Craig-Peters battled hard with 20 touches and six clearances.

Connor Smith and Laird Ramshaw booted two goals apiece, while skipper Dan Orgill finished with a game-high 14 tackles to go with 13 disposals.

Footscray will have a bye in Round 7, before facing Carlton at IKON Park on Saturday 16 May.

Match Summary: 

SOUTHPORT 4.3 7.4 9.8 12.8 (80)
FOOTSCRAY 1.0 5.6 7.7 10.10 (70)

Goals: C. Smith 2, Ramshaw 2, Phipps-Parsons, Muratore, Hynes, Darcy, Croft, Baker.
Best: Orgill, Baker, L. Smith, C. Smith, Craig-Peters.