A thrilling VFL final between Footscray and Brisbane came down to a post-siren shot on goal on Saturday, with the Dogs getting the win by four points.

Lions Mid-Season Draft addition Darcy Craven's attempt against the wind after the final siren fell just short and wide of the goal line, securing the Bulldogs a home preliminary final in a fortnight.

Craven was almost the hero for Brisbane just moments earlier, converting a set shot after the 30-minute mark to put the Queensland club ahead in the dying minutes of the game.

Footscray managed to break free from a stoppage on the wing for a late attack of their own soon after, with a deep kick into the pocket from Dogs young gun Cooper Craig-Peters coming prior to a down-field free kick against the Lions.

The penalty placed defender-turned-forward Ryan Gardner with a shot on goal moments before the siren, with the Dogs tall kicking truly to put his side back in front.

The Dogs had another deep entry from the game's restart, but Brisbane defender Jack Payne won back possession before moving the ball up the corridor.

Youngster Tahj Abberley won his side a down-field free kick and regained the ball in the middle of the field before finding Luke Beecken just outside 50. Beecken dropped a short kick beyond the arc and into the hands of Craven, who had the chance to boot his third of the game.

The siren soon sounded as Craven prepared to take his shot, with a strong breeze doing the small forward no favours. Craven's kick started on line and with the needed length before the wind dropped the ball short and to the right, with Dogs defenders punching it away from the line.

Craven was one of four multiple goalkickers for the Lions, with fellow Mid-Season Draft pickup Will McLachlan contributing two of his own alongside veteran onballer Jarryd Lyons, while Liam Hude led the way with three majors for the day.

Lyons was immense for Brisbane, recording 23 disposals and 12 clearances, while ruckman Darcy Fort was arguably Ben Hudson's best performer.

Bulldogs midfielder James Harmes led the game for disposals with 35 touches to go with eight tackles, nine clearances and a goal of his own, with small forward Arthur Jones the Dogs' biggest contributor in attack with three goals.

Swingman Buku Khamis booted two final-quarter goals, with the Dogs kicking five of their 12 for the game after the final break as Harmes, Gardner and Rhylee West all had their say.

The result saw Footscray clinch the win at Whitten Oval, where they'll now host a preliminary final in the penultimate weekend of the VFL season.

The Lions will face the winner of Saturday's elimination final between Box Hill and Williamstown next weekend in Queensland.