Dear Bulldogs members and fans,  

With the start of the AFL season almost upon us, I’m sure you share my excitement about what lies ahead.

This is a very special year for our Bulldogs family as we commemorate 100 years in the VFL/AFL and reflect on a remarkable Club history that goes back even further.  

There will be many events and acknowledgments throughout the year where our members can connect and celebrate the ties that bind us, I hope to see you there.  

Of course all eyes are now on Marvel Stadium this Saturday night as we open our season with a home game for the first time in a number of years.  

It's been a challenging pre-season in some ways but after encouraging signs in our practice matches I am certain that the team that runs out to face the Roos will be impeccably prepared and raring to start the year on a positive note.  

We will miss Marcus of course, what team wouldn't? But I know that other players will relish the opportunity that has resulted and will represent us with distinction.  

Matt Kennedy will be wearing the red, white and blue for the first time and how thrilling to have our recent draftees Sam Davidson and Josh Dolan run out after already showing such promise.  

Beyond Round 1 we can all eagerly anticipate a very special Friday night at the MCG: a rare home game for us at the home of footy against Collingwood, the marquee fixture of our 100-year celebrations.  

It will be a momentous night as we celebrate our shared history and a unique opportunity to break our home and away attendance record.  

All reserved seat members have this game included in their membership package so if you haven't already secured your seat I would urge you to do so as it is sure to be a special occasion.  

I would also encourage you to get friends and family to sign up this year as we surge towards a new record membership total of 70,000, which would be a remarkable achievement in such a special year for our Club.  

I would also like to take the opportunity to address our head coach's contract situation given the inevitable scrutiny that our approach entails. Luke enters the season with our full support and with the hope he will continue his tenure as our longest serving coach beyond 2025.  

While his contract - which runs until 31 October - will not be extended before the season starts, discussions are open and ongoing between the Club and Luke and we are meeting regularly. Everyone is comfortable with this approach and our entire collective focus is firmly on the season ahead. 

I would also like to acknowledge the appointment of Sam Power as Executive Manager – Men’s Football last month. Having excelled as our Head of List Management he has brought all of his diligence and leadership qualities to the new role, ensuring a seamless transition and an excellent structure to enable future success.  

Finally I’d like to thank our corporate partners and coterie groups for their unwavering support, helping us continue to grow from strength to strength off the field.  

We currently have record numbers engaging across our player sponsors and coteries and across the summer we welcomed high-quality brands like Kapitol, Pirate Life and Tahbilk Wines to the fold, while Visit Victoria, City Of Ballarat, Mars, Treu Construct and Love The Game have all recommitted to the club, testament to our commercial appeal and faith in our future.  

As we embark on a new adventure I would encourage you to get involved this season and experience as much of it as you can. As our campaign says: Don’t just witness history, be part of it! And with more than 100 years behind us, there's so much to look forward to, starting this Saturday night.  

See you at the footy! Go Dogs!