Footscray has qualified for the 2024 VFL finals series, set to meet Brisbane next weekend.

The ‘Scray finished second on the ladder with 14 wins from 18 games, just half-a-game behind minor premiers Werribee.

The second-placed finish means the Bulldogs will enjoy a bye this weekend, while the teams who placed 7th to 10th play off in the Wildcard Round.

Further details regarding the Bulldogs’ qualifying final will be confirmed next week.

Footscray made it as far as the semi finals last season, going down to Box Hill by 20 points.

2024 SMITHY’S VFL FINALS SERIES STRUCTURE


Wildcard Round

Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25

  • Wildcard Round Game One: Gold Coast SUNS (7th) vs Frankston (10th)
  • Wildcard Round Game Two: Williamstown (8th) vs Richmond (9th) 

Qualifying and Elimination Finals

Saturday, August 31 and/or Sunday, September 1

  • First Qualifying Final: Werribee (1st) vs Geelong Cats (4th)
  • Second Qualifying Final: Footscray Bulldogs (2nd) vs Brisbane Lions (3rd)
  • First Elimination Final: Southport Sharks (5th) vs Lowest-ranked Wildcard Round winner (becomes 8th)
  • Second Elimination Final: Box Hill Hawks (6th) vs Highest-ranked Wildcard Round winner (becomes 7th) 

Semi Finals

Saturday, September 7 and/or Sunday, September 8

  • First Semi Final: Loser of First Qualifying Final vs Winner of First Elimination Final
  • Second Semi Final: Loser of Second Qualifying Final vs Winner of Second Elimination Final 

Preliminary Finals

Saturday, September 14

  • First Preliminary Final: Winner of First Qualifying Final vs Winner of Second Semi Final
  • Second Preliminary Final: Winner of Second Qualifying Final vs Winner of First Semi Final 

Grand Final

Sunday, September 22

  • Grand Final: Winner of First Preliminary Final vs Winner of Second Preliminary Final