Club legend Chris Grant has informed the Western Bulldogs he will depart the Club next month after more than 30 years of service as a player, Board member, and most recently Executive.
 
Following the conclusion of a stellar playing career in the red, white, and blue, Grant joined the Club’s Board in 2011, before being appointed to a full-time Executive position to lead the Club’s Football department in 2016, overseeing both men’s and women’s football programs and Club football academies.
 
In the past nine seasons, Grant has presided over the most successful period in the Club’s history, including winning the 2016 AFL Premiership, competing in the 2021 AFL Grand Final in Perth and reaching the AFL Finals on six occasions as well as success at state league level with Footscray winning the VFL Premiership in 2016.

Alongside the success of the men’s program, the 51-year-old was charged with developing, implementing and providing ongoing leadership of the Club’s AFLW program, with the team achieving Premiership success in just its second year of operation in 2018.
 
After more than three decades of involvement with the Club, Grant said the time felt right to step away having placed the football department in a strong position to achieve success over the coming years.
 
“I’ve spent over half of my life with the Club as a player and administrator and will cherish the many memories we have created together at the Western Bulldogs,” Grant said.
 
“While the decision to pause and map out the next stage of my professional career has not been an easy one, I leave knowing the Club is in a great position to succeed and write the next chapter in the amazing history of the red, white and blue.
 
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the players, coaches, and football department staff across all our programs for the trust they have shown in me to manage the football department over the past nine years, forging lifelong friendships and creating some amazing memories together along the way.
 
“I am looking forward to spending some quality time with Mel, Isabella, Sascha and Ollie over the coming months as we embark on the next stage of our family life together.”

 
A Legend in the Bulldogs Hall of Fame, Grant played 341 games for the Club across 18 seasons, highlighted by three All-Australian blazers, two Charles Sutton Medals and induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
 
Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said Grant’s phenomenal contribution across all levels of the football club will leave a lasting legacy at Mission Whitten Oval.
 
“Chris has been an outstanding Bulldogs person for more than three decades, characterised by great integrity, care and compassion for the Club and our people,” Bains said.
 
“Without exception, Chris has always put the Club first, building a legacy that includes overseeing two premierships and countless accolades during his time as a champion player and progressive leader at the Bulldogs.
 
“Chris remains one of the best players to ever don the red, white and blue jumper. As an administrator, his ever-calming influence and ability to lead people has guided this Club through both successful and challenging times.
 
“On behalf of our Club and the entire Bulldogs community, we’re extremely grateful to Chris for everything he has done for us and we wish him well for the next chapter of his journey.”

Bulldogs President Kylie Watson-Wheeler hailed Grant’s outstanding contribution to the Club’s history.
 
“From my memories as a fan sitting on the outer of the Western Oval watching Chris play for my beloved Club, to working alongside him to build and nurture success for our players, staff and fans, his impact on our entire football club has been profound,” Watson-Wheeler said.
 
“During his tenure, both football programs reached the ultimate goal of a premiership, qualified for eight finals series across the AFL and AFLW and set foundations for future success in coming years.”
 
“On behalf of myself and the Board of Directors, I want to personally thank Chris for his passion, dedication and commitment to our football club over three decades, always putting the Western Bulldogs Football Club at the forefront of everything he did.”