To celebrate our Retro Round on Saturday 6 August, we asked fans to select the best Bulldogs team of the last 25 years. Over the next week, we’ll reveal the fan-voted team line-by-line.
Luke Darcy
A second-generation Bulldog, Luke Darcy was selected as a father-son pick in the 1992 National Draft. Making his debut in 1994, the ruck-forward established himself as a permanent member of the senior side in 1996. He was ever-reliable in the ruck, and won a few games via his goal-kicking. In 2001 he became a Charles Sutton Medallist, and in 2002 became the first player to win the AFLPA’s MVP Leigh Matthews Trophy – sharing the honour with Michael Voss. Darcy was appointed captain in 2005, but suffered a season-ending knee injury just six rounds into the campaign. A re-injury during the 2006 pre-season meant he would miss another year of football, returning to the action in 2007 before announcing his retirement. He finished with 183 goals from 226 games, with son Sam drafted to the Kennel in 2021.
Liam Picken
Son of Collingwood legend Billy, Liam Picken was drafted to the red, white and blue with pick 30 in the 2009 Rookie Draft. He made his debut that same year as a tagger, and while utilised in that role for the early parts of his career, also proved he could win possession of the ball and use it effectively. Deployed in more of an attacking role when Luke Beveridge took over as senior coach, Picken was critical in the Dogs’ run to the 2016 premiership, starring in all four finals while kicking three goals – including the sealer – on the big stage. He retired in 2019 after ongoing concussion symptoms, finishing his AFL career with 198 games and 87 goals.
Matthew Boyd
Matthew Boyd became a Bulldog via the 2002 Rookie Draft, selected with pick 23. Making his debut in round seven of the 2003 season, Boyd eventually consolidated a spot in the senior side the following year. With a strong work ethic and determination, by the end of 2005 had become one of the Bulldogs’ most prolific ball-winners. A fan favourite, he served as captain from 2011 to 2013, before switching from the midfield to half-back under Luke Beveridge’s rein. Retiring in 2017 with 292 games to his name, Boyd’s other honours included three Charles Sutton Medals (2009, 2011, 2012) and three All Australian blazers (2009, 2011, 2016).
Adam Cooney
The number one pick of the 2003 National Draft, Adam Cooney was described as a pacey player who could kick goals on the run from outside 50m or snap truly at difficult angles. He made his senior debut in the opening round of the 2004 season, playing 19 games and 11 goals in his first year. His 2005 campaign was much-improved – playing every game – before establishing himself as a threatening goal-kicking midfielder in 2006 onwards. He won the 2008 Brownlow Medal, becoming the 10th Bulldog to win the coveted award, and earned All Australian selection that same year. After 219 games and 186 goals in the red, white and blue across 10 seasons, Cooney crossed to Essendon at the end of 2014, adding a further 31 games and 16 goals to his career tally.
Western Bulldogs Retro Round Dream Team
FB: Lindsay Gilbee, Brian Lake, Easton Wood
HB: Bob Murphy, Dale Morris, Rohan Smith
C: Scott West, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae
HF: Daniel Giansiracusa, Chris Grant, Nathan Brown
FF: Brad Johnson, Barry Hall, Tory Dickson
Foll: Scott Wynd, Tom Liberatore, Tony Liberatore
Int: Luke Darcy, Liam Picken, Matthew Boyd, Adam Cooney
Captain: To be revealed
Vice-captain: To be revealed
