Back at VU Whitten Oval
Earlier this month – and for the first time since last year – both the AFL and AFLW programs resumed training on VU Whitten Oval.
The redevelopment of the Whitten Oval precinct meant that the Bulldogs’ teams were conducting their training sessions at the nearby Skinner Reserve in Braybrook, which itself underwent a $3 million facelift in 2021.
That first session back at the Footscray home base was a momentous one, not only for both programs which had been managing the challenges of training off-site, but for the Club, with the oval being the first piece to be handed over to utilise on an ongoing basis.
Hall of Fame returns
A number of Bulldogs icons were celebrated and recognised at the Club’s Hall of Fame gala event in June. Hosted for the first time in over five years, five past players were inducted, three were elevated to Legend status and two moments were acknowledged.
Bob Murphy, Dale Morris, Matthew Boyd, Luke Darcy and Jim Gallagher were added to the roll call of Bulldogs greats in the Hall of Fame, while Brad Johnson, Gary Dempsey and Arthur Olliver were solidified as Legends of the red, white and blue.
The 2016 AFL premiership and inaugural 2018 AFLW premiership were both added as official moments.
Breaking the all-time membership record
The Bulldogs surpassed their all-time membership tally in May, reaching 51,056 members in May.
The new record came after the Club broke through the 50k milestone record pace – achieving 46,000 prior to round one, and 50,000 members 12 weeks earlier than the previous year.
The continued growth of the Bulldogs’ fan base comes off the back of sustained success both on and off the field, with both the AFL and AFLW teams making finals last season.
55,000 will be the Club’s next target.
Jonesy’s return to the Kennel
3184 days between round one and his last game in the red, white and blue, Liam Jones completed a full circle journey in his AFL career.
Signing as an unrestricted free agent late last year, Jones returned to the western suburbs after a stint with Carlton from 2015-2021 and 2022 in the QAFL.
The 32-year-old has been one of the Bulldogs’ best and most consistent performers to start 2023, but will unfortunately be sidelined with a forearm fracture for approximately 8-10 weeks.
Celebrating 140 years of the red, white and blue
While the on-field result didn’t quite go in the Club’s favour, the Bulldogs enjoyed their 140-year anniversary in round 13.
2023 marked the Bulldogs’ 140th year as an official organisation, and was celebrated through a variety of fan and digital activations in the lead-up to the round 13 clash against Port Adelaide.
The team wore specially-branded 140-year guernseys in that match, recognising the 14 decades of hard work and support from thousands of loyal players, administrators, members and fans.
