AFL football returns to Whitten Oval
AFL football returned to Whitten Oval in 2015 for the first time since 1997, with the Western Bulldogs hosting the Tigers in a NAB Challenge match at the Club’s spiritual home. The match drew a sell-out crowd of over 9000 people, with the Bulldogs faithful treated to a nostalgic day at the Kennel as the Dogs ran out with a 22-point victory in the first match with Luke Beveridge at the helm.
Tom Liberatore
The Bulldogs’ 2014 best and fairest winner ruptured his ACL in the opening NAB Challenge match against Richmond, sidelining him for the 2015 season. While a disappointing blow, the Dogs have been able to highlight their depth in the midfield, with the likes of Lin Jong, Liam Picken, Koby Stevens, and Luke Dahlhaus all seeing increased midfield time. Liberatore has remained a key component of the Dogs’ 5-5 start to the year, with a hands on off-field role around the club while he rehabilitates his injury. Although there have been some positives for the Club in Liberatore’s absence, the midfielder will be a welcome return in 2016.
Stevenson signs on as CEO
David Stevenson was appointed as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer in April. Recruited from Nike’s world headquarters in Oregon, the born and bred Melbournian most recently held the position of Vice President of Sales for Nike's Emerging Markets. Stevenson will be tasked with removing the ‘small club’ label by building membership and profit, alongside the Dogs move into Ballarat, the development of Edgewater and the continued growth and performance of the football department.
Skipper re-signs
Bob Murphy put pen to paper on a one year deal in May that will keep him at the Club until the end of 2016. Murphy will play on for a 17th season next year which should take see him surpass the 300 milestone. His commitment to the Club has never wavered over his journey at the Kennel and he continues to be a strong role model for the Club’s young crop. His appointment as captain at the beginning of the year has been vindicated by his on-field performance in the first ten rounds and now entering the twilight of his career continues to forge his reputation as one of the most loved and revered Dogs of all time.
Clay Smith
The hard-nosed midfielder was struck by a third ACL injury in round six against St Kilda, after only two senior games back from his second reconstruction. Smith has had no luck in his first four years at the Club but has forged a reputation in his 30 games for his ferocious attack on the ball. A mental and physical battle to undergo a third reconstruction, teammates say there is no one better placed to face that challenge than Smith.
Stringer and Macrae lead the way
Six Bulldogs have also joined Murphy in putting pen to paper on new deals in the first ten rounds of the season, with first round picks, and emerging stars, Jake Stringer and Jack Macrae amongst the first to extend their contracts. A sign of faith in the Club’s future under Luke Beveridge, Stringer and Macrae have also been joined by Tom Liberatore, Luke Dahlhaus, Jordan Roughead and Easton Wood as players to sign new contracts and their decisions will be key factors in securing the services of the Club’s remaining young talent as their contracts come up for renewal.
35k members in sight
After a 5-5 start to the year, the Bulldogs signed on 30,000 members in record time, overtaking last year’s tally in May. The Club is on track for 35,000 members by the 30 June deadline, which would be an all-time membership record for the Bulldogs.
Slater and Gordon back the Club
Slater and Gordon threw their support behind the Club in April, with the Dogs announcing the law firm had signed on as the official coaches partner in 2015. Slater and Gordon previously held the naming rights to the annual Robert Rose Cup and had support the Club’s Sons of the West men’s health program.
Debutants
In ten rounds, the Dogs have unveiled six debutants. Lukas Webb, Bailey Dale, Joel Hamling and Toby McLean have all made their AFL debuts, while Tom Boyd and Shane Biggs played their first games for the Club. Luke Beveridge has shown faith in his young pups, giving them a chance early on, with Boyd playing all ten games while Webb has strung together six matches.
Will Minson
It’s been an eventful season for the former All-Australian ruckman, after being omitted from the side from rounds four to eight. Sent back to the VFL, Minson fought hard to return against the Giants in round nine and together with Jordan Roughead, monstered in-form ruckman Shane Mumford to set-up a Bulldogs win over the red-hot Giants. Minson backed it up in round ten with a 40-hitout game against Port Adelaide, and is seemingly on the way to recapturing his best form.
