Congratulations to the Victoria University-sponsored Footscray Bulldogs, who took out the 2014 VFL premiership on Sunday.
An intense final quarter comeback of six unanswered goals secured Footscray an emotional VFL grand final victory, with the Bulldogs beating reigning premiers Box Hill by 22 points.
The thrilling final drew a crowd of more than 23,000 fans to Etihad Stadium, the largest crowd for a VFL game in 25 years and a testament to the dedication of Bulldogs supporters and the Footscray community.
What makes the win remarkable is that this is the first year that Footscray has fielded a VFL team in almost two decades.
The win follows the recent announcement that the Footscray Bulldogs’ home ground, Victoria University Whitten Oval, will undergo a $1.5 million upgrade that will see the Bulldogs play at least nine home games next year and improved facilities for elite female footballers.
In November 2013, VU announced a new and expanded partnership with the AFL Western Bulldogs, which included becoming the major partner of the VFL Footscray Bulldogs. The unique university-elite football partnership rests on shared outcomes of sport science research, community engagement and the development of young and emerging talent.
The partnership also benefits VU students through workplace learning and career opportunities. PhD candidate Mat Inness is currently working as strength and conditioning coach at the Footscray Bulldogs whilst completing a jointly funded VU-Bulldogs PhD scholarship.
It’s been a great year for VU’s sport sponsorships. The Vixens netball team won the national ANZ Championship in June – in the first year of its VU sponsorship.
VU’s connection with top elite sporting teams is part of its ongoing commitment to be Australia’s leading sport university.
Image credit: Theo Karanikos/AFL Media
