One of the longest-standing AFL club partnerships is set to continue, with Victoria University (VU) and the Western Bulldogs renewing their allegiance for a further five years.
VU has boosted its support for the Bulldogs’ AFLW team, and secured naming rights to the soon-to-be redeveloped high-performance centre at Whitten Oval, as part of its continued commitment to elite sport.
The partnership extension was announced today and includes other significant opportunities for both Western Bulldogs staff and players, VU students and the western suburbs community.
VU and the Western Bulldogs originally joined forces in the 1980s, and their unity has been one of the Club’s most integrated and successful partnerships.
Speaking of the five-year renewal, VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker noted the deep trust between both organisations, and the benefits of the partnership.
“The relationship spans several tiers. The new VU High Performance Centre both strengthens the institution’s position as a leader in sport and offers a unique experience to embed VU students within the Western Bulldogs high performance team,” he said.
“In addition, we are excited to expand our Sports Science Program to include AFLW. VU is doing incredible research and advocacy for women in sport – it is a natural step for us to boost our support for the ALFW Western Bulldogs, both as a team and supporting players who are VU students.”
Western Bulldogs President Kylie Watson-Wheeler said the Club is excited about the future with the University.
“Everyone at the Western Bulldogs is extremely proud of our partnership with VU, both for the longevity of our relationship and the way we have grown our connection over the years,” she said.
“Our relationship with VU has many touchpoints across the Club, which have positively impacted our players, coaches, staff and the community of the west.
“VU’s elevated commitment to include increased support for our women’s football program is exciting for the Club, as we continue to lead the way in the AFLW space.
“We look forward to working alongside VU for the next five years and beyond, and we thank them for the successes our partnership has already delivered.”
The partnership agreement spans a number of opportunities in the areas of sponsorship, education offerings, student and staff development, player pathways, as well as expertise in sports science and remedial massage.
AFL player Aaron Naughton and AFLW player Elisabeth Georgostathis, both currently studying Bachelor of Education with VU, are 2023 Player Student ambassadors.
One of the more recent successes of the partnership has been the development of two short courses, a joint venture between VU and the Bulldogs, which focus on performance leadership and strength and conditioning.
