There is more in football than just football, you’ve got to have plenty of guts, plenty of determination… without a heart you don’t win.
- Bulldogs Hall of Fame Legend Charlie Sutton
Changing hands between multiple Club champions, the history of the number six is most significant at the kennel – beginning with the 1954 Premiership Captain Charlie Sutton.
Sutton epitomised the Bulldogs spirit with the number six emblazoned on his back, taking the Club to its sole grand final win and eventually becoming recognised as a Bulldogs legend in the Hall of Fame.
George Bisset was next to shine in the number six and what the half forward in the Bulldogs team of the century lacked in height, he made up for in heart.
One vote away from winning the 1969 Brownlow Medal, the small rover played 166 games in Bulldogs colours and created many headaches for opposition players along the way.
The eventual Club games record holder Brad Johnson was handed the number six guernsey in 1995 after beginning his career in the number 33.
The show of faith from the Bulldogs was not in vain as the six-time All-Australian became one of the most revered figures at the Club.
Now in the hands of talented young pup Luke Dahlhaus, it seems another Bulldog could add to the legacy of the number six, with the 21-year-old well on track to surpass the 100-game milestone during his career.
Beginning his career in the number 40, Dahlhaus did not take the decision lightly to move to the number six late last year, acknowledging the significance of the honour.
But after carefully deliberating, the pacey forward accepted the number change and has worn the number six with pride in 22 games, showing his trademark flair and unwillingness to give up.
You too could have your name alongside Charlie Sutton and Brad Johnson on the number six locker at the Victoria University Whitten Oval, with the Club offering a unique opportunity to all members and fans.
All the money raised will go towards putting our new VFL team, the Footscray Bulldogs, on the park in 2014.
