State league GF wrap, Footscray Bulldogs defeat Southport Sharks, Taylor Duryea retirement, Adam Treloar, match report, latest news
Footscray have brought a nine-year premiership drought to an end on Sunday afternoon, defeating a valiant Southport by 10 points in the 2025 VFL Grand Final.
The minor premiers burst out of the blocks to kick the first six goals of the match in a first quarter blitz, before the Sharks eventually broke even early in the final term to draw scores level.
But the Western Bulldogs’ reserves team proved too strong in the final 25 minutes of the match, with dead-eye accuracy in front of goal seeing them home 14.5 (89) to Southport’s 11.13 (79) at Ikon Park.
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Southport threatened one final charge in the closing minutes, but a Josh Dolan goal sealed the deal in wet conditions after a torrential downpour after half time. Unfortunately for the Sharks, the loss marks three grand final losses in four years.
The Dogs fielded an eye-watering 18 AFL-listed players in their line-up for the clash, including the likes of 2024 All-Australian Adam Treloar (25 disposals), retiring veteran Taylor Duryea and out-of-contract stalwart Liam Jones.
59-game AFL player Anthony Scott was among the best for Footscray kicking two goals from 23 disposals, while top-up players Billy Crofts and Cooper Craig-Peters — who was awarded the Norm Goss Medal for best-on-ground — were immense.
Former Port Adelaide small forward Boyd Woodwock had an enormous game for Southport in a losing side, amassing 31 disposals — 19 contested, 13 clearances and three goals.
Perennial VFL performer Brayden Crossley, Zac Foote and 2025 J.J Liston Trophy winner Jacob Dawson were also valiant in defeat.
