The Western Bulldogs tonight elevated John Schultz to the Club’s Hall of Fame Legend status - the Brownlow Medallist joining inaugural Legends and Bulldog elite, Charlie Sutton and EJ Whitten.

In front of a passionate crowd of Bulldog faithful at Crown, Palladium, seven players and two Officials across four eras were also inducted into the Footscray - Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to the Club.

Whitten. Sutton. Schultz. To commemorate our Club Legends, the Western Bulldogs have launched an exclusive limited edition set of collectable medallions. Order yours here now. 

2012 Hall of Fame inductees include contemporary Bulldog players, Brownlow Medallist Scott Wynd and seven time Club Best and Fairest winner Scott West, and former Club Official and Bulldogs Number One Ticket Holder, Save the Bulldogs campaigner, Peter Gordon. 

The 2012 Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame inductee are: 

“The Hall of Fame gives our Club the opportunity to recognises and commemorate those that have made significant contributions to the Footscray - Western Bulldogs since our inception in 1883,” Bulldogs President, David Smorgon said tonight. 

“One of the most significant events on the Bulldog calendar, the Hall of Fame is a unique celebration of those individuals who personify the Bulldogs spirit and whose contribution to the Club has been over and above.” 

Click here to view a photo gallery from the night. 

As well as the new inductees, the Western Bulldogs also recognised a new Hall of Fame Moment - the first VFL final the Bulldogs participated in in 1938. 

David Smorgon said that out of respect to those who have gone before us - the Club treated the selection of the Hall of Fame inductees as a great responsibility. 

Inductees are selected by a five person committee of Western Bulldogs President David Smorgon OAM, Club Historian Darren Arthur, Past Player and Coach Terry Wheeler, Past Player Ray Walker and esteemed Journalist Mike Sheahan.

The committee is guided by a set of rigorous criteria in determining a candidates’ eligibility for induction into the Hall of Fame.

In addition to playing records and statistical information, the Committee also considers traits, such as character, leadership qualities, passion, courage, skill, integrity and loyalty are also given due consideration. 

The Committee considered each candidate’s outstanding service, devotion and overall contribution to the Club.

A player / coach must be retired for a minimum two years before the become eligible to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Were you an attendee at the Hall of Fame Event? Couldn't go? Either way, we'd love you feedback on the event and how we could improve it for future years. Click here to complete a quick survey.