The Western Bulldogs have made a series of agonising decisions affecting the future of its workforce, as it plans the way forward from the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A drastic reduction in the football soft cap mandated across the competition, and the need to significantly reduce the Club’s cost base in administration, will force quality Bulldogs people to depart over the next few weeks and months.

Almost every department across the entire club has been impacted, in an unfortunate but necessary step to ensure the Bulldogs can withstand the financial pressures associated with the recovery from the pandemic and the ongoing economic uncertainty that exists.

Each of our departing staff have put their heart and soul into their roles. It’s an incredibly difficult time for everyone.  Football clubs are like families, and to farewell great people through no fault of their own is a painful thing to do.

- Bulldogs Director of Football, Chris Grant

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve had to make some heart-breaking decisions as we adjust our business to prepare for the future and the Club’s reset strategic priorities,” said Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains.

“The pandemic has forced us to reduce our spending significantly across our administration and football departments, to allow us to progress in the best manner possible and to meet AFL requirements.

“Inevitably, this means we’ll need to move forward with a leaner workforce, and prioritise our operations.  Some wonderfully talented, dedicated and passionate Bulldogs people will depart the Club over the coming weeks. 

“With an awfully heavy heart, we thank them for their service and wish them well for their futures, knowing they will always be welcome back to our Club.”

Assistant coaches Joel Corey and Jordan Russell, development coach Dale Morris and football operations manager Ben Graham will depart the Club’s Football Department in 2020.

“Each of our departing staff have put their heart and soul into their roles,” said Bulldogs Director of Football, Chris Grant.

“It’s an incredibly difficult time for everyone.  Football clubs are like families, and to farewell great people through no fault of their own is a painful thing to do.

“We wholeheartedly thank them for their tireless contribution to the Club, and they can rest assured they’ll be in our thoughts as we move into the future.”