The Footscray Bulldogs will play in a semi-final next weekend, after falling to Williamstown by 13-points in a qualifying final at VU Whiten Oval on Saturday afternoon.

A dominant first quarter saw the ‘Scray take control of the ball early - kicking four goals to none, before a gallant Williamstown outfit piled on six goals in the second term, levelling the scores at half time.

It was a see-sawing contest after the main break, with the Dogs taking a four-point lead into the final term. An early Williamstown goal in the fourth quarter had the Dogs playing catch up, before an all-important goal from Footscray’s Liam Nash levelled the scores at the 12-minute mark.

The travelling side booted a further three goals as the Dogs fought back, however it wasn’t to be, with Williamstown stealing the 13-point win.

Billy Kanakis was integral up forward for the Dogs, booting two goals and taking three marks, while Billy Gowers booted two majors of his own and collected 22 disposals.

Developing defender Lachie Young enjoyed another solid performance for the ‘Scray, taking six important marks in the backline and laying five tackles. Fellow defender Fletcher Roberts was also influential in the backline, collecting 21 disposals and two marks.

The Footscray Bulldogs will head to Adcon Stadium next weekend to face the winner of the Port Melbourne v Geelong elimination final, with an exact time and date to be confirmed following this weekend’s VFL clashes.

Footscray fans can pre-purchase their VFL finals tickets here.

Match details:

Footscray: 4.5 6.5 7.9 9.10 (64)

Williamstown: 0.1 6.5 7.5 11.11 (77)

Goals: Kanakis, Gowers (2), Khamis, Lynch, Nash, Sweet, Trengove (1)

Disposals: Williams (23), Gowers (22), Roberts (21), Trengove (20), Young (17)

Best: La. Young, B. Williams, R. Smith, B. Gowers, L. Sullivan, F. Roberts