Iconic sports writer Martin Flanagan has captured the incredible story of the Western Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership in the new book,A Wink from the Universe.

Flanagan, a football journalist for over 30 years and author of several books, was given rare inside access to the club to tell the magical story of its 2016 flag triumph.

The Bulldogs came from seventh on the ladder to defeat Sydney in the Grand Final to secure the club’s second VFL/AFL premiership, ending a 62-year drought. 

Flanagan was given unprecedented access to coach Luke Beveridge’s match diaries, pre-match notes, post-game reviews and video highlights, interviewed every player involved in the premiership, and talked with trainers, key people in the football department, and some diehard Dogs fans.

The big storylines of the 2016 season are covered expertly from an insider’s perspective – Bob Murphy’s season ending knee injury, the emergence of Easton Wood as captain, overcoming setbacks to individual players and, of course, putting together one of the most spine-tingling finals series in the game’s history.

Flanagan captures every heart-stopping moment of the season with his signature wit and deft turn of phrase, making the reader feel the very pulse of the game.

Published by Penguin Books, A Wink from the Universe is available via the Bulldog Shop at VU Whitten Oval.

Martin Flanagan will appear at the Western Bulldogs’ Family Day on Saturday, February 24 from 11am-12pm, where fans can purchase the book and have it signed.