THE WESTERN Bulldogs have plenty of talent in reserve for Saturday night's preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney after Footscray belted Collingwood to win its way through to the VFL Grand Final. 

The 119-point triumph saw Footscray qualify for its second season decider in three seasons, and more importantly gave its fringe players further match practice to push for a senior Grand Final berth if the Bulldogs account for GWS. 

Under the watchful eye of senior coach Luke Beveridge, AFL-listed players Mitch Honeychurch, Lukas Webb, Tom Campbell, Roarke Smith, Koby Stevens, Fletcher Roberts and Bailey Williams were all prominent.

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Honeychurch was best on ground, winning the ball at will to finish with 28 possessions (18 contested) and two goals. 

Fellow ball-winner Webb, an emergency for Friday night’s semi final against Hawthorn, also found plenty of the footy and kicked three goals, while defenders Roberts and Smith repelled many of the Magpies' forward thrusts. 

Williams switched between half-back and the midfield and showed the poise and smarts that have the club very excited about the first-year South Australian.

Ruckman Tom Campbell showed why the Dogs locked him away for a further two seasons this week with a commanding performance against Magpie Jarrod Witts. 

The only worry for the Dogs was the late withdrawal of Nathan Hrovat with a shoulder injury, but the midfielder is considered a chance to play in next Sunday's VFL decider at Etihad Stadium. 

Youngster Ben Long did his chances of getting picked up in November's NAB AFL Draft no harm with a six-goal display. 

The 19-year-old is the nephew of Essendon great Michael Long and has a dangerous mix of speed, sound foot skills and class. 

Footscray will play the winner of tomorrow's other preliminary final between the Melbourne-aligned Casey Scorpions and Williamstown.