Footscray have prevailed in their final practice match, recording a seven-point victory against Richmond at Punt Road Oval.

In a close encounter which saw the lead change several times throughout the match, Footscray were able to keep Richmond scoreless in the final quarter and bring home a victory in their last hit out before round one of the VFL season.

The Dogs enjoyed an even spread, with ten individual goal-kickers including two each to Declan Hamilton and Bailey Dale.

Nathan Hrovat and Lachie Hunter were best afield for the Bulldogs, and continue to stake their claim at an AFL selection after impressive VFL form in the last month.

Footscray will take on Box Hill this Saturday in round one of the home and away season, a rematch of the 2014 VFL Grand Final.

The Club will unfurl their VFL premiership flag in a ceremony prematch.

Footscray 13.8.86 defeated Richmond 12.7.79

Goals: Hamilton 2, Dale 2, Redpath 2, Hunter, Hrovat, Campbell, Stevens, W Hayes, Fort, Buchanan

Best: Hrovat, Hunter, Darley, Buchanan, Fogarty, Hamling