Midfielder Nathan Hrovat kicked the match-winning goal from the tightest of angles in Footscray's come-from-behind 19-point triumph.
Hrovat improved the angle and slotted the set shot from the boundary after Bomber Jake Long's errant kick landed out of bounds on the full.
The Bulldogs trailed by 18 points at three-quarter time, but had the momentum in the final quarter and overran the tiring Bombers.
Bulldogs Lukas Webb, Roarke Smith and Toby McLean were late withdrawals from the clash as the club looks for suitable options to replace injured midfielder Lin Jong (collarbone).
Veteran Jed Adcock controlled the ball in the tense final quarter, working in tandem with Mitch Honeychurch.
Forward Bailey Dale was reliable in attack, using his strong overhead marking ability to slot three first-half goals, while Koby Stevens, who was omitted from the Bulldogs' elimination final squad against West Coast, was kept relatively quiet.
Footscray takes on Collingwood in next Saturday's preliminary final at North Port Oval.
Stats
Mitch Honeychurch 26 disposals, eight marks, five tackles
Jed Adcock 23 disposals, four marks, ten tackles
Brad Lynch 21 disposals, five marks
Bailey Williams 21 disposals, five marks
Nathan Hrovat 20 disposals, three tackles, one goal
Koby Stevens 16 disposals, six tackles
Fletcher Roberts 15 disposals, nine marks
Tom Campbell 13 disposals, three marks, four tackles, 24 hitouts, one goal
Bailey Dale Three goals, four marks, three tackles
Declan Hamilton 13 disposals, one goal
Will Minson Seven disposals, six tackles, 24 hitouts.
