Hawkins breaks EJ’s Club games record
Round 17, 1994
It was the changing of the guard, as Doug Hawkins broke the legendary Ted Whitten’s Club games record in 1994. Pulling on the guernsey for the 322nd time, Hawkins exchanged a handball and a flick pass with Whitten, before gathering 23 possessions in a best-on-ground display against Geelong on home soil. Hawkins went onto play 329 games total in the red, white and blue.
Grant congratulated by fans in final game at Whitten
Round 21, 1997
“Welcome to the Kennel”. These words – muttered by Daniel Southern as he greeted his young West Coast opponent Michael Gardiner – saw fists flying before the start of the Dogs’ final V/AFL game at Whitten Oval. They say the rest is history as the Bulldogs went onto record an 18-point victory, and were greeted by fans upon entering the rooms post-match.
Darcy dons the Diamond Dog
Round 7, 1996
The Bulldogs will once again wear the Diamond Dog design against Richmond this weekend, last worn against the Tigers in round seven of the 1996 season. 10 matches into what would eventually become a 226-game career, Luke Darcy is seen running the ball across the hallowed MCG turf.
Wynd chaired off in game 150
Round 3, 1997
Scott Wynd enjoyed a 19-point win over the Tigers in his 150th milestone match at the MCG. Chaired off the ground by teammates, Wynd would later become one of the Bulldogs’ all-time greats – inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame in 2012 following a Brownlow Medal, Charles Sutton Medal and All Australian selection.
Wallis’ final game
Round 22, 1996
Stephen Wallis closed the book on his 261-game career in the three-point loss to Essendon at the MCG in 1996. Pictured shaking the hand of Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy post-match, wearing the iconic Diamond Dog design – which the Club will reprise this weekend against Richmond – Wallis collected 19 disposals and six marks in defeat.
