Footscray have advanced to a VFL semi-final after a nail-biting win over Essendon in the elimination final at Fortburn Stadium in Port Melbourne. The Bulldogs trailed by four goals early into the third quarter but rallied to kick eight of the next nine goals to edge past the Bombers and book a date with Port Melbourne next Sunday, winning 14.12.96 to 13.13.91.

Tom Boyd booted a game-high four goals and finished with thirteen disposals in a fine performance while Clay Smith had nineteen touches and booted two important third quarter goals. The retiring Matthew Boyd (above) collected 24 disposals and kicked one goal as his career stretches another week.

Footscray have put a severe dent in the finals aspirations of the Northern Blues following their come-from-behind win in round sixteen of the VFL at Ikon Park. The Bulldogs trailed by 26 points at the final change but booted six goals to nil in the final quarter to win 12.8.80 to 10.7.67.

After a fine start to the season the Blues have now lost seven of their last eight games and face top eight teams in their final three matches of the season. Former Blue, Billy Gowers, kicked three goals for Footscray, two of them in the first quarter, and provided headaches all day for the Blues defenders. Fletcher Roberts, normally found in defence, was pivotal in the Bulldogs win booting two last quarter goals from strong pack marks.

Williamstown have taken out the VFL minor premiership after downing Footscray by 43 points in the final round at a cool VU Whitten oval in Footscray. After an even first half the Seagulls skipped clear in the third quarter booting six goals to one to seal their position at the top of the ladder winning 14.17.101 to 8.10.58.

Lachlan Schultz and Sam Dunnell each kicked three for the winners while the Bulldogs eight all came from individual goal kickers. Williamstown had good players all over the ground including 2016 J.J.Liston Trophy winner, Michael Gibbons, who gathered 32 possessions and took eight marks and Brett Bewly with his precise and penetrating kicking through the midfield. Schultz was lively around goal while Adam Marcon helped his side dominate the stoppages and Nick Sing continued his good form down back.

An accurate Werribee have moved back into the top eight after a thrilling come-from-behind win over Port Melbourne in round fifteen of the VFL season at Rams Arena in Craigieburn. Trailing by 29 points late in the third quarter, Werribee hit the lead at the final change but again trailed midway through the final term before they regained the lead thanks to a goal from Cameron Zurhaar at the 25-minute mark to see them hang on winning 17.3.105 to 15.11.101.

 It was the Borough's third loss in a row and they now sit outside the top four in a very even season. North Melbourne ruckman, Todd Goldstein, was best-a-field for Werribee with a fine display around the ground collecting 56 hitouts, 17 disposals and two goals while Kangaroo teammate, Lindsay Thomas (15 disposals, 5 marks) was dangerous booting four goals and Ryley Barrack (14, 4 marks) continued his good form down back.