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The Footscray Bulldogs are the 2014 VFL Premiers, after a barnstorming final term saw them storm home to a 22-point victory over the Box Hill Hawks.
The Bulldogs kicked six unanswered goals to finish the match, and seal the Club’s first premiership in the state league, since 1924.
Box Hill held a six-point advantage at the final change and extended it to 18 points early in the last quarter, before a Bulldogs avalanche.
They kicked three quick goals to level scores, before Christian Howard slotted a difficult shot from the forward pocket to give Footscray a six-point lead.
In its first year in the competition as a standalone side, Footscray sealed the premiership when Liam Jones kicked two late goals to take his tally to five for the day.
Bulldogs Brett Goodes (30 disposals) and Lin Jong (31 disposals) were terrific in the win, and Jarrad Grant collected 20 touches and could have kicked more than his one goal if not for inaccuracy.
Goodes was named the Norm Goss Memorial medallist as best afield for his influential performance.
With senior-listed ruckman Ben McEvoy and midfielder Brad Sewell late withdrawals, other Hawks stood up in Box Hill's bid for back-to-back flags.
Mitch Hallahan (31 disposals) was excellent in the midfield, and James Sicily added some spice to the Hawks' attack with his speed and aerial exploits and booted three goals.
First-year wingman Billy Hartung also kicked a goal from 15 disposals and provided plenty of run but appeared to suffer a groin injury in the last term.
FOOTSCRAY 4.2 7.4 10.7 16.13 (109)
BOX HILL HAWKS 4.2 7.3 11.7 13.9 (87)
GOALS
Footscray: Jones 5, Dickson 2, Redpath 2, Campbell, Fogarty, Grant, Howard, Pearce, Tutt, Young
Box Hill Hawks: Sicily 3, Hallahan 2, Ross 2, Collins, Grimley, Hartung, Lowden, Willsmore, Woodward
BEST
Footscray: Jong, Goodes, Jones, Grant, Russell, Howard
Box Hill Hawks: Hallahan, Sicily, Ross, Litherland, Hartung, Woodward
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