Footscray have named a team with considerable AFL experience for its eagerly awaited Smithy’s VFL Preliminary Final against Southport on Saturday afternoon at Mission Whitten Oval.

A number of well-known names – Ryley Sanders, Rhylee West, Buku Khamis and Nick Coffield – who contributed to the Qualifying Final win over Brisbane have been ruled out due to ineligibility.

However, rising star Joel Freijah and the recently re-signed Lachie McNeil – both of whom played in the AFL Elimination Final against Hawthorn – will return to don the Footscray jumper among 16 AFL-listed players.

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After a best-on-ground display in the Qualifying Final and selection for the AFL Elimination Final, James Harmes will again start for the Bulldogs, as will Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen as he continues his return from a calf injury.

The Bulldogs finished the home and away season in second place and will be looking to secure their first Grand Final appearance since winning the 2016 premiership.

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The bounce at Mission Whitten Oval will be at 2pm AEST. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for concession/pensioners with children under 15 free. Tickets can be purchased at www.intix.com.au/org/vfl.

Attending the game? Both the Bulldogs Shop and Match-Day Pavilion will be open for the game at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday. 

The game will be broadcast on the Seven Network (7mate in Victoria and 7plus nationally) as well as being live streamed on AFL.com.au.

VFL Team | Preliminary Final

Footscray Bulldogs v Southport Sharks
Saturday 14 September, 2pm AEST
Mission Whitten Oval

B: R. Gardner (43), L. Smith (40), R. Garcia (38)
HB: A. Scott (28), D. Bedendo (26), C. Clarke (8)
C: L. McNeil (30), L. Cleary (36), J. Johannisen (39)
HF: C. Poulter (25), J. Freijah (27), E. Hunt (56) 
F: J. Harmes (22), A. Keath (42), D. Orgill (50)
R: J. Busslinger (5), O. Baker (13), A. Jones (32)
INT: C. Owen (62), C. Craig-Peters (61), T. Bianco (58), J. Gilbee (69), D. Moloney (75)
EMG: P. Spicer (63), C. Smith (55), T. Maple (65), J. Kellett (57)

IN: J. Freijah, L McNeil, T. Bianco, E. Hunt 
OUT: N. Coffield (ineligible), R. Sanders (ineligible), B. Khamis (ineligible), R. West (ineligible)