Footscray has finalised its list ahead of the revamped 2021 VFL season, which will begin next Saturday with a clash against the Gold Coast Suns at VU Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs have retained majority of their players from last year – after the 2020 season was abandoned due to Covid-19 – and welcomed a handful of fresh faces to the squad.

Among the new recruits include former VFL Tiger Nick Baltas, cricketer-turned-footballer Bailey Van De Heuvel, and youngsters Ned Nichols, Chance Doultree and Spencer Anderson.

Already familiar with the club due to his work with the Community Foundation, Cooper Craig-Peters has also signed with the ‘Scray.

Headlining the returning players include Lachie Sullivan, who has been appointed as captain for 2021.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined the Bulldogs in 2019 and takes the reins from former skipper Josh Prudden.

Former AFL-listed footballers Jesse Glass-McCasker (Carlton) and Nathan Drummond (Richmond) have recommitted, with Reuben William (Brisbane Lions) also returning to the Kennel, after last featuring for the VFL Bulldogs in 2019.

Bulldogs father-son prospect Ewan Macpherson, Next Generation Academy youngster Cody Raak and Eastern Ranges product Corey Preston are also in the squad, having spent the earlier part of the year training with the Bulldogs’ senior side.

One player from the Bulldogs’ 2016 VFL premiership team - Liam Nash - remains on the list.

Footscray will open its 2021 campaign against the Gold Coast Suns at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday 17 April*.

*The time for Footscray’s round one match, originally scheduled for 6pm, is to be confirmed after the AFL round five match between the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns was moved to a 4.35pm start.

FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 2021 LIST