The Western Bulldogs would like to pay tribute to one of the Club's greats, John Schultz, who has passed away at the age of 85.  

'Gentleman John' was one of the Footscray Football Club's greatest ever players and was renowned for his integrity and fairness, a champion ruckman universally acclaimed for good tackling and elegant marking.

He played 188 games for Footscray and represented Victoria 24 times, winning a Brownlow Medal in 1960, All Australian honours in 1961, and five club best-and-fairest awards.

He was also Footscray's best player in their losing effort in the 1961 Grand Final and was named on the club's Team of the Century.

Later in life he was a proud representative and ambassador for the Club and an ever-present at Bulldogs matches, mentoring the club's coaching and playing groups.

Having been in the Bulldogs rooms for every game throughout the 2016 season, John had the appropriate honour of handing the Premiership cup to Easton Wood, Bob Murphy and Luke Beveridge when the flag drought was broken at the MCG.

The Club's annual community award is named in his honour, with Buku Khamis its most recent recipient for his efforts on behalf of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.

The Club would like to extend its condolences to Kaye, Wendy, Dianne, Jenny and all of John’s family and friends at this difficult time.