1954 Premiership defender Jim Gallagher has been inducted into the Footscray-Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame.

Gallagher was revealed as the first inductee at the 2023 gala event on Saturday night, joining an illustrious cohort of Bulldog greats.

Gallagher played 151 games in the red, white and blue across 10 seasons (1951-60), and was a key part of Footscray’s back six who were coined the ‘Defence of the Century’ for their ability to limit opposition scoring.

Gallagher’s other accomplishments included representing Victoria in the premiership, and he was named on the interchange bench in the Bulldogs’ Team of the Century.

A relentless half-back flanker, his determination and reluctance to take risks was highlighted none better than the fact he never kicked a goal across his decade-long career – sitting sixth in the ‘most games without a goal’ club.

Gallagher retired at the end of the 1960 season.

Established in 2010, the Footscray-Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame honours those whose involvement and contribution to the Club has been significant, memorable and worthy of celebration. 

Jim Gallagher
DOB: 16/01/1931
Height: 180cm 
Guernsey number: #24
Debut: Round 9, 1951
Games: 151
Honours: Premiership player (1954), Victoria representative (x2, 1954), Bulldogs’ Team of the Century (interchange)