The grass has been finely manicured, the goal posts have been erected, and freshly coated line markings have reappeared at the Western Bulldogs’ home base.

Footy is back on VU Whitten Oval.

For the first time since last year, the Bulldogs’ AFL team stepped out to train at their home base on Friday, the day before they do battle with the Cats in Round 12 of the AFL season.

The redevelopment of the Whitten Oval precinct has meant that the Bulldogs’ teams have conducted their training sessions at nearby Skinner Reserve in Braybrook, which itself underwent a $3 million facelift in 2021.

For most of the players, it was a welcome return to familiar surroundings.

For a handful of others, they stepped out onto VU Whitten Oval for the very first time.

For everyone, it was another tangible step in realising the Club’s vision to reimagine its home.

The Bulldogs’ redevelopment project continues to gather steam, with the oval the first piece to be handed over to the club to utilise on an ongoing basis.

Works continue on areas surrounding the precinct, including landscaping areas, the indoor training field, the high performance centre, a match-day pavilion and the new Whitten Stand (which encompasses the entrance foyer and café).

Given the continuing construction works at the Whitten Oval precinct, there will be no spectator access at this time. The Club looks forward to welcoming its members and fans back to VU Whitten Oval as soon as it’s possible.

The Western Bulldogs’ redevelopment project has been assisted by the financial support of the Victorian State Government and the Federal Government, with support from the AFL.

For more the latest news and information about the project, visit the redevelopment hub on westernbulldogs.com.au.