Imagine if locals living in Footscray West in the 1800s could see 417 Barkly Street now. A world away from the stone quarry used by the railways in the 1860s, and then a reserve with botanical gardens, over the years the $30 million redeveloped Whitten Oval site has undergone dramatic transformations.
Named the ‘Western Oval’ in the 1880s, the Footscray Football Club has called it home ever since - except for a brief stint when the land was used by travelling soldiers during World War II. Fast forward to the 1990s and the oval was renamed to honour one of our favourite sons, the great EJ Whitten. Then, just two years later in 1997, the last official AFL game was played at the cherished ground.
During its long and colourful history as an active footy venue, Whitten Oval nurtured legendary All Australian, Brownlow and Premiership players, hosted tens of thousands of fans every round, and created countless memories for generations of Bulldogs fans.
Memories like:
- Winning the flag in ‘54
- Watching the Hawk being carried off the ground after breaking EJ’s games record
- Standing at the Barkly Street end to cheer on the team
- Getting autographs from players in the Social Club
- Eating hot jam donuts under the Score Board
What are your fondest memories of Whitten Oval? Tell us about the times you treasured at the home of the Bulldogs.
We’d also love to receive photos of days gone by at Whitten Oval so that we can build a supporter collection of images.
Send your memories and copies of photos to godogs@westernbulldogs.com.au or c/o ‘Images of Whitten Oval’, Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street, Footscray West 3012 and help us piece together our mighty history from a fan’s perspective.
