Our spiritual home.

Since the days of the Western Oval and the Club’s arrival in the 1880s, Mission Whitten Oval has been a cherished place for players, coaches, and fans alike.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of fans have flocked to the stands to watch their favourite AFL, AFLW, VFL, and VFLW players, creating countless unforgettable memories along the way.

With the Dogs’ pre-season game against the Bombers locked in for a return to Mission Whitten Oval, we take a look back at five of the most memorable V/AFL games to have taken place at the ground.

First VFL game and win at Mission Whitten Oval:

Footscray entered the VFL competition in 1925, and in their debut season, they recorded not just their first win but also their first victory at home.

Facing cross-town rivals South Melbourne, the Dogs secured a hard-fought win, leading at every break to achieve their highest score to date in front of a passionate home crowd. Despite this positive start, Footscray struggled during their inaugural VFL season, winning just four games and marking the end of their previous dominance in the VFA.

Final score:
Footscray 10.10 (70)
South Melbourne 8.12 (60)

Hawkins breaks EJ’s games record:

Round 17, 1994: It was a changing of the guard as Doug Hawkins broke the legendary Ted Whitten's club games record.

On a Saturday afternoon at the Western Oval, Hawkins etched his name into Club history by pulling on the Bulldogs guernsey for the 322nd time.

In a fitting tribute, Hawkins exchanged a handball and a flick pass with Whitten before gathering 23 possessions in a best-on-ground performance.

The Dogs celebrated in style, chairing Hawkins off the ground after a 28-point victory over the Cats.

04:42

Throwback | Templeton bags 15.9

Take a look at Kelvin Templeton's record-setting performance for Footscray against St Kilda in 1978.

Templeton kicks 15 as Dogs post record score:

Round 13, 1978: It was simply a day for the forwards—or, more accurately, for one forward in particular. Kelvin Templeton kicked a club-record 15 goals and 9 behinds as Footscray set a new VFL record for the highest score.

The record came at the expense of the Saints, as the Dogs cruised to a 107-point victory at home.

Pandemonium reached its peak in the final quarter when fans invaded the ground on multiple occasions during Templeton’s extraordinary goal-kicking spree.

Whitten’s last game:

You’ve got to show me all the guts and determination you’ve got in your body.

- E.J Whitten

It was a rainy afternoon when a legend of the West, Ted Whitten, called time on his iconic career. Playing his 321st game, Whitten was at his inspiring best, willing his team to a famous three-point victory as he donned the red, white, and blue for the last time.

00:36

Murphy on Ted Whitten

Bob Murphy shares his perspective on the legend of EJ Whitten, helping Mike Sheehan look back at the remarkable career and legacy of the Bulldogs great.

His final address to the players was vintage Whitten: the captain-coach famously demanding a “do-or-die effort” to close out his playing days. Whitten later reflected, “I cried, but you couldn’t tell because it was raining.”

03:20

Flashback | Final AFL game at Whitten Oval

Take a look back at Rd 21, 1997, as part of our Retro Round celebrations in Rd 21, 2022.

Bulldogs’ final AFL game at Mission Whitten Oval:


All good things must come to an end. While Mission Whitten Oval remains in use for the Club’s AFLW, VFL, and VFLW teams, Round 21, 1997, marked the ground’s final AFL Premiership match.

Facing the Eagles, the Dogs played with ferocious spirit, determined to finish on a high note at their beloved home ground.

The tough contest featured several physical tussles between the teams. In the end, the Bulldogs recorded an 18-point victory, and fans flooded the ground to celebrate the conclusion of an unforgettable chapter in the Club’s history.