A thrilling fourth quarter has led Footscray Bulldogs to a three point victory over Richmond on Sunday, with a Fletcher Roberts goal after the siren sealing the win.
The Bulldogs ran out 14. 19. (103) to Richmond 15. 10. (100) at ME Bank Centre in a come from behind victory, after being 33 points behind in the final quarter.
The result confirms Footscray’s standing in second place on the ladder heading into their finals campaign and affords them a home final against Williamstown this Sunday.
The Bulldogs charged home with five consecutive goals forcing the lead to change hands with minutes remaining in the game, but Richmond kicked a late major handing them the advantage and a likely win.
A pack mark by Fletcher Roberts from Richmond’s kick in gave the Bulldogs their final opportunity after the siren and the Footscray swingman kicked truly from long range.
Development Manager Chris Maple said the Bulldogs ball use let them down at times during the game but the team’s ability to keep persisting was pleasing.
“The boys did really well to keep competing and it just shows you are never out of the contest if you keep playing the way we want them to play and keep grinding it out,” Maple said.
“Most of our indicators were showing that we were going ok but the one that wasn’t was we just kept giving them the ball back.
“Some of that was due to their pressure but because we didn’t use the ball well it meant we had to keep defending all the time.”
Alex Greenwood stood out through the midfield with a dominant performance, while the experience of Brent Prismall and Jordan Russell was crucial.
Maple said the intensity of the game gave Footscray some practice of finals like pressure, as well as preparing players for the intensity of senior football.
“From a development point of view the experience of playing in such a close game was good for all of the players,” he said.
“Fletcher got moved forward late and was confronted was a real pressure situation and stood up.
“We like to see young guys that can stand up under pressure because when they play AFL footy they are going to have it at every contest.”
The Bulldogs now line up against rival Williamstown at Victoria University Whitten Oval on Sunday 31 August 2014, scheduled for 1pm.
“We will have to be on top of our game, they are playing really good footy at the minute,” he said.
“We are just going to be have to be at our best to compete with them.
“I think it’s great to have a final at VU Whitten Oval and everyone is excited about that, it’s great for the footy Club and we are looking forward to it.”
Footscray Bulldogs 14. 19. (103) defeat Richmond Tigers 15. 10. (100)
GOALS: Grant 2, Dickson 2, Greenwood, Prismall, Young, Minson, Lower, Hunter, Roberts, Fogarty, Hayes, Perkins
BEST PLAYERS: A. Greenwood , F. Roberts , B. Prismall , J. Russell , T. Young , N. Lower
