Footscray will face Port Melbourne for a spot in the Peter Jackson VFL Grand Final after the minor premiers comprehensively defeated Sandringham by 47 points at North Port Oval on Saturday.
The Bulldogs relished a week’s rest following a tough Qualifying Final win over rival Williamstown and will have some additional players to choose from after the Western Bulldogs 2014 campaign ended last week.
Fresh from a third place finish in the JJ Liston Medal, big man Tom Campbell looks a likely inclusion along with Tom Young and Mark Austin who are both available and firmly in the selection mix.
TEAM LINEUP: View the Footscray Bulldogs side to face Port Melbourne.
The last time the two sides met, Footscray were too good in a scrappy, wet affair and first year player Mitch Honeychurch dominated with a 25 possessions, five goal display in the 36 point win.
Footscray has been the in-form team of the competition winning 13 of the past 14 encounters — their only loss in that period at the hands of Box Hill who will play off in the other Preliminary Final this weekend.
The Gary Ayres led Port Melbourne side will be aided by a home-ground advantage and have Frosty Miller Medallist and ex-Tiger Daniel Connors at their disposal after the forward was a late withdrawal with on Saturday.
VFL powerhouse Port Melbourne are aiming for their third Grand Final appearance in four seasons, while a Bulldogs win will continue a remarkable maiden season run and a VFL Grand Final Berth at Etihad Stadium on Sunday 21 September.
VFL Preliminary Final
Footscray v Port Melbourne
2:10pm, Saturday 13 September, 2014
North Port Oval, 525 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne
Tickets: Adults: $15 / Concession: $10 / Kids 12 & under: Free
*Tickets can be purchased on the gate at North Port Oval.