25 Greatest Bulldogs

[jazzadogs]

Not a whole lot of love for Jackson Macrae. I was born in 1995 and have him as the third best dog I’ve seen by some margin. From 2015 - 2022 he was consistently in our best players. Unfortunately the game moved a little bit on from his type post 23.

1 - Bont
2 - Johnson
3 - Macrae

Disclaimer - I don’t think grant was at the peak of his powers in my living memory. Whilst west also had half a career before I can remember much.

I also have lake at the very top end of bulldog players. His 2009-2010 were as good as it gets for a full back. He was very good in 06-08 without getting the due recognition.

His 2010 season may be the best individual season I’ve seen a bulldog play (with the exception of Bont - who has had about 10). The other brilliant individual seasons I remember were Johnson 06 & 07 (07 was amazing as he was kicking bags of 5 in the back end of the year whilst we were getting beat by 70 points every game), Cooney 08 (Aker was also pretty good that year), Hall 10, Griffin 13, Wood & Stringer 15 and Ed currently.

I am a big fan of Jack and agree he was an absolute superstar for us over a long period. You have him ahead of Libba?

I struggled to fit him (and Lake) in to my 25 ahead of Morris, Libba, Matt Boyd and Bob. I thought their consistency, longevity and leadership just edged that group past Macrae, Lake and co.

Certainly you could drop someone from the 1930s and have more current players (I won't be surprised if this happens), but I think that's letting recency bias rule.

[jazzadogs]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D8so9Rszf/

I hadn't even considered Ellie as an option for this, but I think it is well deserved - she's been a star, and shown loyalty that the club probably didn't deserve at times.

Hopefully we don't have any Sam Kekovich moments.

[Bornadog]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D8so9Rszf/

I hadn't even considered Ellie as an option for this, but I think it is well deserved - she's been a star, and shown loyalty that the club probably didn't deserve at times.

Hopefully we don't have any Sam Kekovich moments.

That was fantastic to watch - thank you

[jazzadogs]

Link

OF THE Western Bulldogs' 25 greatest players of the past 100 years, Ellie Blackburn is one.
The club's AFLW games record holder, and 2018 premiership captain, she was a hard name to leave out of the Dogs' 25 greatest Bulldogs of the last 100 years. Not just for her impact on the field, but for what she means to the club, and the code more broadly.

"She's a bit of a metaphor for women's footy in herself, really, because she has kind of straddled two different generations," Western Bulldogs champion Bob Murphy told AFL.com.au.

"She was part of that generation, albeit she was a youngster around women's footy that was played in the margins, or almost in the shadows, and then it was thrust into the public eye in technicolour. And she was immediately just one of those players that caught your attention.

"Just as a pure player, she's kind of the complete package as a player, and when she kicked a goal, I mean she can do a whole lot of other things, but when she kicks a goal, there's like a real guttural euphoria to the celebration. And it's not about 'Aren't I great, I just kicked a goal', it's a beautiful combination of release, euphoria, and defiance."

Murphy is also one of the 25, selected by a panel made up of journalist Mike Sheahan, former Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade, board member Lisa Fitzpatrick, club historian Darren Arthur, former Footscray player Ross Abbey, and Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains.

The list itself is unranked, except for the top five, which will be revealed at a club event on July 21, and selection encompasses players who have represented what the club is both on and off the field, setting standards and inspiring community, over the last century.

Blackburn is deemed the heart and soul of the Bulldogs. The only inaugural player remaining at the club, captain for six seasons, a five-time club Best and Fairest winner, as well as a three-time All Australian. There is little left for Blackburn to achieve since debuting as a 21-year-old.

"She plays with so much soul," Murphy said.

"She's beautifully balanced, she's tough, she makes her teammates better, but she also has that other gear to go to when the game needs it, or when the game's on the line or when they're struggling. That's a superpower if you're a leader, not many have that, and she's consistently produced.

"She's far and away the best women's footballer the Bulldogs have ever produced, and I think in part because of those moments."

Before the AFLW began in 2017, Blackburn played throughout the exhibition series. Strangely enough for Dogs fans, it was a Melbourne guernsey that she donned in that time, but once the inaugural eight clubs had the green light to build their list, the Bulldogs pounced.

Blackburn was signed as a marquee player – one of just 16 across the League – and to date remains one of just three at the club that signed them in 2016. Her loyalty, and hard-working approach to her footy has made her emblematic of the Western Bulldogs.

"The way I sort of look at the Bulldogs is there's two types of champion. There's the grace and beauty, the elegance of like John Schultz, and then there's the Tony Liberatore where it's a heart and soul, punch above their weight, backs against the wall, blue collar. That kind of thing," Murphy said.

"But I think Ellie's a bit of both, to be honest, in the same way that Marcus (Bontempelli) is a bit of both. They've got that beautiful combination of grit and grace… her power and her agility and creativity, you can see it in her eyes when she takes the ball she's summed up a lot already."

And when it comes to Blackburn being the only woman included, for Murphy her addition is an obvious one.

"She just should be (included). She really just should be for the impact that she's had in her time at the club," Murphy said.

"It's been significant and consistent, and it's just the format of the competition (that is) what is a challenge for some people. But her standing within the club and within that competition, it would have been stupid without her in the 25.

"I would have had to remove myself."

[Jeanette54]

So basically from the team of the century it's Jillard, Donald, Royal, Gallagher who don't make the cut, to make space for our guns of the last 20 years.

Any arguments with that list?

And from the list, who will be your top 5 in order?

I shouldn't think that anyone who saw him play would agree with cutting John Jillard from the list.

[jazzadogs]

I shouldn't think that anyone who saw him play would agree with cutting John Jillard from the list.

I was not one of those people who saw him play, but tried to make sure I was acknowledging the early years by breaking it up into 20 year periods.

Who would you take off my list to bring in Jillard?

[Mofra]

292 games, 3xAA, 3xB&F, captain for three seasons, premiership - I think he's probably ahead of them anyway?

Wood, Macrae, Daniel probably the next closest from that era imo and I don't think it's particularly close.

I'll try to find BTs team of the century thread...

Boyd's longevity probably just nudges him ahead of Royal who was sadly stuck on amazing figures of 199 games & 299 goals. Royal was a first choice rover at State of Origin level - that's massive and probably not given enough gravity in the modern era.

For an older name, Jack Collins would often get thrown into the ruck too if we needed a spark - pretty sure one game he kicked 6 or 7 goals in a half in an away game against Carlton, and was thrown into the ruck in the second half because we were getting smashed in the middle. Anyone who kicks 7 goals in a Grand Final is a walk up start and he is one reason EJ could plonk himself at CHB some games. As far as star power went, he was ranked pretty comfortably next to Sutton and EJ in his day. I'm of course biased due to a family connection.

[The Underdog]

Boyd's longevity probably just nudges him ahead of Royal who was sadly stuck on amazing figures of 199 games & 299 goals. Royal was a first choice rover at State of Origin level - that's massive and probably not given enough gravity in the modern era.

Choco cared not for the tyranny of round numbers.

[BiteNibbleChomp]

I hadn't even considered Ellie as an option for this, but I think it is well deserved - she's been a star, and shown loyalty that the club probably didn't deserve at times.

More than justified. Premiership captain, best and fairest almost every year, and a great leader on and off the field.
But the thing that gets me is at the back of our 100 years book - we've had 88 W players, not counting this year's draftees - that's three whole lists in 9 years. Ellie's the only one who has stayed with us throughout, and through all that time has been arguably our best player as well. She just about is our W side at this point.

Beautiful writeup by Bob too.

- BNC

[Bornadog]

The reveal has started.

As part of our celebrations to mark a century since the Bulldogs joined the VFL/AFL, we have convened an expert panel to select the 25 Greatest Bulldogs of the past 100 years.

The Greatest Bulldogs are those who have represented the club with irrefutable distinction on the field and made the most considerable positive impact on the Club's history.

Players of exceptional ability who have achieved some of the game's greatest accolades, they have also made the Club what it is today, setting standards we will always aspire to, embodying the Bulldogs spirit and inspiring our community to dream big and stand proud.

The list is unranked but a Top 5 has been selected which will be revealed at the Club’s Centenary Gala on Monday 21 July.

Tickets to the event are now sold out, but the event will be available to be livestreamed on the Club website and app on Monday night.

All 25 players will be immortalised in a Jamie Cooper painting that will be unveiled at the Charles Sutton Medal awards night on 1 October.

Today we reveal the selected players who debuted in the red, white and blue between 1925 and 1945.

Allan Hopkins

Years played: 1923-24 (VFA), 1925-34 (VFL)
Games: 170 (VFA 19, VFL 151)
Goals: 242 (VFA 37, VFL 205)

Best & Fairest: 1931
Premiership: 1924 (VFA)
State games: 17+
Brownlow Medal: 1930 (joint)
Brownlow votes: 62*
Leading Goalkicker: 1925 (40), =1926 (42)
Captain/Coach: 1930, Captain: part 1926, part 1929
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 1996
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Centre

Allan Hopkins was Footscray’s first superstar, a brilliant half-forward and centreman who had an amazing record in the Brownlow Medal.

Hopkins finished second in the Medal in 1929 and 1931, lost on a countback in 1930 and was fourth in 1934. In recognition of his outstanding record, the VFL awarded him an illuminated address, the first and only time in history. When the countback system was abolished in 1989, Hopkins was retrospectively awarded a Brownlow Medal for the 1930 season, a year in which he was captain-coach.

In all, Hopkins played 151 games for 205 goals in the VFL and a further 19 games for 37 goals in the VFA for his beloved Bulldogs.
00:32 Mar 13 2018 Legend | Hopkins, the 'Scray's first superstar


Allan Hopkins was a premiership player (1924), a Brownlow Medallist (1930), a best and fairest winner (1931) and was duly inducted into the Footscray-Western Bulldogs and AFL Hall of Fame in their inaugural years. Hopkins played 151 games for 205 goals in the VFL. He is now officially a Legend of the Club.

*** Alby Morrison


Years played: 1928–38, 1941–42, 1946
Games: 224 (3 finals)
Goals: 369
Best & Fairest Top 4 finishes: 2
State games: 14
Brownlow Top 10 finishes: 2 (1933, 1936)
Brownlow votes: 70+
Leading Goalkicker: 5 (1928, 29, 30, 31, 34)
Coach: Part 1934, part 1935, Captain: Part 1934, 1935, 1937
Club Awards: Most Improved (1928, 1929), Most Unselfish (1931)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Half-Forward Flank

With his versatility, flair and unwavering drive, Alby Morrison carved out a career that still echoes through Bulldogs folklore. A tall, skillful utility from Kingsville, he debuted in 1928 and made an instant impression, leading the Club’s goalkicking in his first season, the first of five such honours. His 369 goals across 224 games stood as a Club record for an extended period.

Equally adept across multiple lines, Morrison progressed from a dangerous half-forward to a composed defender and was a natural leader — captaining the side in 1934, 1935 and 1937, while also coaching parts of two seasons.

A footballer of rare consistency, he polled over 70 Brownlow votes, with top-10 finishes in 1933 and 1936, and placed top four in the Best and Fairest on two occasions. Representing Victoria 14 times, he also featured in three finals and was named on the half-forward flank in the Bulldogs’ Team of the Century.

Twice awarded Most Improved and winner of the Most Unselfish Player in 1931, Morrison had it all — poise, persistence, adaptability and heart. Whether in attack, defence or the coach’s box, he was the embodiment of a Bulldog through and through.
*** Norm Ware


Years played: 1932-42, 1944-46
Games: 200 (3 finals)
Goals: 220
Best & Fairest: 5 (1934, 1937, 1938, 1940, =1941), Runner-up: 1942
State games: 11
Brownlow Medal: 1941
Brownlow votes: 130
Captain: 1940, Captain/Coach: 1941-42
Leading Goalkicker: 1942 (51 goals)
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2001
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Interchange

Norm Ware was one of the most outstanding ruckman of his era. Originally from Sale, he was exceptionally mobile for his height and a great mark around the ground. He had a penchant for going forward as evidenced by the 52 goals he kicked in 1942, making him the Club's leading goalkicker for the season.

War service interrupted the latter years of his career, but he still managed to produce outstanding football. In his only game of 1945 he kicked six goals, and in his 200th and last game in the 1946 first semi-final, he kicked four goals to end his career with 220 goals, a fine achievement for a ruckman.

Norm Ware was named in the Bulldogs Team of the Century, had a bay of the Whitten stand named after him and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2001.
READ MORE

‘Bulldogs Through & Through’: Commemorative book available now
*** Arthur Olliver


Years played: 1935-50
Games: 272 (5 finals)
Goals: 354
Best & Fairest: 2 (=1941, 1944)
State Games: 2
Brownlow votes: 58
Leading Goalkicker: 1936 (37), 1937 (39), 1949 (28)
Captain/Coach: 1943-46, 1948-50
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2003
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Interchange

An outstanding all-round athlete, renowned as a tap ruckman but capable of playing in key positions, forward or back. The idol of Ted Whitten Snr, Olliver was a Club icon who represented the Bulldogs across 16 seasons from 1935-50, including seven years as captain-coach.

Olliver finished his career with a then-club record 272 games and 354 goals, and claimed the leading goalkicker award on three occasions.

He won two Best and Fairests (1941, 1944) and became Footscray’s most successful coach on retirement, leading the team to three finals series during the 1940s.
01:09 Jun 10 2023 Legend | Arthur Olliver


Former captain-coach Arthur Olliver has been endorsed as a Legend of the red, white and blue.

*** Harry Hickey


Years played: 1937–42, 1944–48
Games: 174 (5 finals)
Goals: 169
Best & Fairest Top 4 finishes: 3
State Games: 2
Brownlow Medal: Runner-up 1939, Top 10 finishes: 3 (1939, 1945, 1948)
Brownlow Votes: 66+
Captain: 1947
Club Awards: Most Serviceable Player (1945)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Wing

With his dynamic presence and match-winning instincts, Harry Hickey became a revered figure at the Bulldogs - a clever rover and natural leader whose influence still echoes through the Club’s history.

He made an immediate impact in 1937, kicking a goal on debut against St Kilda, and never looked back. Hickey featured in all five finals Footscray played between 1938 and 1948, including a standout 30-kick, five-goal masterclass against Collingwood in 1938 — a performance that saw him named best on ground in the Club’s first VFL final.

Whether ranging through traffic or stationed at half-forward, Hickey was a problem for the opposition and a gift to his teammates. His football intelligence and work rate earned him three Best and Fairest awards - in 1939, 1945 and 1948 - and saw him finish runner-up in the 1939 Brownlow Medal with 20 votes.

Leadership came naturally. He captained the side in 1947, and in 1944 famously scored a late behind against Carlton to secure Footscray a coveted semi-final berth.

Selected in the Bulldogs Team of the Century, Hickey’s 174-game career was built on grit, guile and heart. Respected across the competition, his legacy continues to inspire the red, white and blue.
*** Charlie Sutton


Years played: 1942, 1946–56
Games: 173
Goals: 65
Best and fairest: 1950
Premiership: 1954
All-Australian: 1950
State games: 18
Leading goalkicker: 1951 (joint)
Captain: 1951–56, Coach: 1951–57, 1967–68
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 1996
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Back pocket / Coach

Epitomising the Bulldog ‘never-say-die’ attitude on the field, Sutton was one of the most feared players of his era, be it on the half-forward flank, in the backline or roving.

An inspirational captain-coach who led by example, he coached Footscray to the Club’s first VFL finals win in 1953 and the following year delivered a famous premiership win, the Club's first, beating Melbourne at the MCG.

One of the most influential figures in the Club's history, Sutton has been immortalised by having the Club's AFL Best and Fairest award named after him.

[jazzadogs]

25 Greatest Bulldogs: Part 1 (1925-1945)

The first six Greatest Bulldogs have been unveiled.

By Western Bulldogs Media
1 hr ago L-R: Allan Hopkins, Norm Ware. (Images: Supplied)
As part of our celebrations to mark a century since the Bulldogs joined the VFL/AFL, we have convened an expert panel to select the 25 Greatest Bulldogs of the past 100 years.

The Greatest Bulldogs are those who have represented the club with irrefutable distinction on the field and made the most considerable positive impact on the Club's history.

Players of exceptional ability who have achieved some of the game's greatest accolades, they have also made the Club what it is today, setting standards we will always aspire to, embodying the Bulldogs spirit and inspiring our community to dream big and stand proud.

The list is unranked but a Top 5 has been selected which will be revealed at the Club’s Centenary Gala on Monday 21 July.

Tickets to the event are now sold out, but the event will be available to be livestreamed on the Club website and app on Monday night.

All 25 players will be immortalised in a Jamie Cooper painting that will be unveiled at the Charles Sutton Medal awards night on 1 October.

Today we reveal the selected players who debuted in the red, white and blue between 1925 and 1945.

Allan Hopkins

Years played: 1923-24 (VFA), 1925-34 (VFL)
Games: 170 (VFA 19, VFL 151)
Goals: 242 (VFA 37, VFL 205)

Best & Fairest: 1931
Premiership: 1924 (VFA)
State games: 17+
Brownlow Medal: 1930 (joint)
Brownlow votes: 62*
Leading Goalkicker: 1925 (40), =1926 (42)
Captain/Coach: 1930, Captain: part 1926, part 1929
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 1996
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Centre

Allan Hopkins was Footscray’s first superstar, a brilliant half-forward and centreman who had an amazing record in the Brownlow Medal.

Hopkins finished second in the Medal in 1929 and 1931, lost on a countback in 1930 and was fourth in 1934. In recognition of his outstanding record, the VFL awarded him an illuminated address, the first and only time in history. When the countback system was abolished in 1989, Hopkins was retrospectively awarded a Brownlow Medal for the 1930 season, a year in which he was captain-coach.

In all, Hopkins played 151 games for 205 goals in the VFL and a further 19 games for 37 goals in the VFA for his beloved Bulldogs.

Allan Hopkins was a premiership player (1924), a Brownlow Medallist (1930), a best and fairest winner (1931) and was duly inducted into the Footscray-Western Bulldogs and AFL Hall of Fame in their inaugural years. Hopkins played 151 games for 205 goals in the VFL. He is now officially a Legend of the Club.

Alby Morrison

Years played: 1928–38, 1941–42, 1946
Games: 224 (3 finals)
Goals: 369
Best & Fairest Top 4 finishes: 2
State games: 14
Brownlow Top 10 finishes: 2 (1933, 1936)
Brownlow votes: 70+
Leading Goalkicker: 5 (1928, 29, 30, 31, 34)
Coach: Part 1934, part 1935, Captain: Part 1934, 1935, 1937
Club Awards: Most Improved (1928, 1929), Most Unselfish (1931)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Half-Forward Flank

With his versatility, flair and unwavering drive, Alby Morrison carved out a career that still echoes through Bulldogs folklore. A tall, skillful utility from Kingsville, he debuted in 1928 and made an instant impression, leading the Club’s goalkicking in his first season, the first of five such honours. His 369 goals across 224 games stood as a Club record for an extended period.

Equally adept across multiple lines, Morrison progressed from a dangerous half-forward to a composed defender and was a natural leader — captaining the side in 1934, 1935 and 1937, while also coaching parts of two seasons.

A footballer of rare consistency, he polled over 70 Brownlow votes, with top-10 finishes in 1933 and 1936, and placed top four in the Best and Fairest on two occasions. Representing Victoria 14 times, he also featured in three finals and was named on the half-forward flank in the Bulldogs’ Team of the Century.

Twice awarded Most Improved and winner of the Most Unselfish Player in 1931, Morrison had it all — poise, persistence, adaptability and heart. Whether in attack, defence or the coach’s box, he was the embodiment of a Bulldog through and through.

*** Norm Ware

Years played: 1932-42, 1944-46
Games: 200 (3 finals)
Goals: 220
Best & Fairest: 5 (1934, 1937, 1938, 1940, =1941), Runner-up: 1942
State games: 11
Brownlow Medal: 1941
Brownlow votes: 130
Captain: 1940, Captain/Coach: 1941-42
Leading Goalkicker: 1942 (51 goals)
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2001
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Interchange

Norm Ware was one of the most outstanding ruckman of his era. Originally from Sale, he was exceptionally mobile for his height and a great mark around the ground. He had a penchant for going forward as evidenced by the 52 goals he kicked in 1942, making him the Club's leading goalkicker for the season.

War service interrupted the latter years of his career, but he still managed to produce outstanding football. In his only game of 1945 he kicked six goals, and in his 200th and last game in the 1946 first semi-final, he kicked four goals to end his career with 220 goals, a fine achievement for a ruckman.

Norm Ware was named in the Bulldogs Team of the Century, had a bay of the Whitten stand named after him and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2001.

Arthur Olliver

Years played: 1935-50
Games: 272 (5 finals)
Goals: 354
Best & Fairest: 2 (=1941, 1944)
State Games: 2
Brownlow votes: 58
Leading Goalkicker: 1936 (37), 1937 (39), 1949 (28)
Captain/Coach: 1943-46, 1948-50
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2003
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Interchange

An outstanding all-round athlete, renowned as a tap ruckman but capable of playing in key positions, forward or back. The idol of Ted Whitten Snr, Olliver was a Club icon who represented the Bulldogs across 16 seasons from 1935-50, including seven years as captain-coach.

Olliver finished his career with a then-club record 272 games and 354 goals, and claimed the leading goalkicker award on three occasions.

He won two Best and Fairests (1941, 1944) and became Footscray’s most successful coach on retirement, leading the team to three finals series during the 1940s.

Former captain-coach Arthur Olliver has been endorsed as a Legend of the red, white and blue.

Harry Hickey

Years played: 1937–42, 1944–48
Games: 174 (5 finals)
Goals: 169
Best & Fairest Top 4 finishes: 3
State Games: 2
Brownlow Medal: Runner-up 1939, Top 10 finishes: 3 (1939, 1945, 1948)
Brownlow Votes: 66+
Captain: 1947
Club Awards: Most Serviceable Player (1945)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Wing

With his dynamic presence and match-winning instincts, Harry Hickey became a revered figure at the Bulldogs - a clever rover and natural leader whose influence still echoes through the Club’s history.

He made an immediate impact in 1937, kicking a goal on debut against St Kilda, and never looked back. Hickey featured in all five finals Footscray played between 1938 and 1948, including a standout 30-kick, five-goal masterclass against Collingwood in 1938 — a performance that saw him named best on ground in the Club’s first VFL final.

Whether ranging through traffic or stationed at half-forward, Hickey was a problem for the opposition and a gift to his teammates. His football intelligence and work rate earned him three Best and Fairest awards - in 1939, 1945 and 1948 - and saw him finish runner-up in the 1939 Brownlow Medal with 20 votes.

Leadership came naturally. He captained the side in 1947, and in 1944 famously scored a late behind against Carlton to secure Footscray a coveted semi-final berth.

Selected in the Bulldogs Team of the Century, Hickey’s 174-game career was built on grit, guile and heart. Respected across the competition, his legacy continues to inspire the red, white and blue.
Charlie Sutton

Years played: 1942, 1946–56
Games: 173
Goals: 65
Best and fairest: 1950
Premiership: 1954
All-Australian: 1950
State games: 18
Leading goalkicker: 1951 (joint)
Captain: 1951–56, Coach: 1951–57, 1967–68
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 1996
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Back pocket / Coach

Epitomising the Bulldog ‘never-say-die’ attitude on the field, Sutton was one of the most feared players of his era, be it on the half-forward flank, in the backline or roving.

An inspirational captain-coach who led by example, he coached Footscray to the Club’s first VFL finals win in 1953 and the following year delivered a famous premiership win, the Club's first, beating Melbourne at the MCG.

One of the most influential figures in the Club's history, Sutton has been immortalised by having the Club's AFL Best and Fairest award named after him.

[jazzadogs]

Jinx BAD, beat me by a minute!

[Bornadog]

Part 2 (1946-1965)


Premiership heroes and Club legends have been named in the 25 Greatest Bulldogs.

o
L-R: John Schultz, Ted Whitten. (Images: Supplied)

As part of the Club's celebrations to mark a century since joining the VFL/AFL, an expert panel has been convened to select the 25 Greatest Bulldogs of the past 100 years.

The Greatest Bulldogs are those who have represented the red, white and blue with irrefutable distinction on the field and made the most considerable positive impact on the Club's history.

Players of exceptional ability who have achieved some of the game's greatest accolades, they have also made the Club what it is today, setting standards that will always be aspired to, embodying the Bulldogs' spirit and inspiring fans to dream big and stand proud.
SEE MORE

25 Greatest Bulldogs: Part 1
The list of 25 is unranked but a Top 5 has been selected in order and will be revealed at the Club’s Centenary Gala on Monday 21 July, answering the perennial question of who really is the greatest Bulldog of all time.

Tickets to the event at Mission Whitten Oval's Western Grounds are now sold out, but the event will be streamed live on the Club’s website and app on Monday night.

All 25 selected players will be immortalised in a Jamie Cooper painting that will be unveiled at the Charles Sutton Medal awards night on 1 October.

Today we reveal the selected players who debuted in the red, white and blue between 1946 and 1965.

*** Wally Donald

Years played: 1946–1958
Games: 205 (8 finals)
Goals: 1
Best & Fairest: 1949
Best & Fairest Top 4 finishes: 1952, 1953, 1954
Premiership: 1954
State Games: 2
Brownlow Votes: 27
Captain: Part 1956
Club Awards: Most Improved (1948), Most Consistent (1950)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Half-back flank

With his calm presence and collaborative nature, Wally Donald was a much-loved figure at the Bulldogs, a dependable defender and natural leader whose legacy continues to shape the Club today.

A key part of the 1954 premiership side, Donald played 205 games, featured in eight finals and amassed 27 Brownlow votes.

Primarily stationed on the half-back flank, Donald was known for his composure under pressure, clean ball use and ability to shut down the opposition’s best. He was selected in the Bulldogs’ Team of the Century and was widely respected for his versatility and football intelligence.

A Best and Fairest winner in 1949, Donald led with quiet authority, serving as vice-captain for several seasons and stepping into the captaincy in 1956. The 1954 premiership decider marked his 150th game, a momentous milestone in a career already rich with achievement.

Respected by teammates and opponents alike, Donald embodied the spirit of the Club through humility, loyalty, toughness and quiet strength — qualities that earned him life membership at Footscray ahead of the 1956 season, a fitting tribute to a player who gave so much to the red, white and blue.

*** Jack Collins

Years Played: 1950–58
Games: 154 (5 finals)
Goals: 385
Best & Fairest: 1951, 1952
Premiership: 1954
State Games: 8
Brownlow Votes: 57
Coleman Medal: 1954, 1957
Leading Goalkicker: 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958
Club Awards: Best First Year Player (1950), Most Consistent (1954), Most Versatile (1956), Best Clubman (1955, 1958)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Forward Pocket

Jack Collins was the beating heart of Footscray: a premiership hero, club leader, and lifelong Bulldog whose influence shaped generations.

Recruited from Yarraville, he debuted in 1950 and quickly stamped himself as one of the VFL’s most dangerous forwards.

With explosive pace, a fierce competitive streak, and sharp football instincts, Collins tormented defences over 154 games, booting 385 goals in a brilliant nine-season career.

His defining moment came in the 1954 Grand Final, where his seven-goal haul propelled Footscray to its historic first premiership. Earlier that year, he booted nine goals in a single quarter, narrowly missing a league record.

A two-time Best and Fairest winner and five-time leading goalkicker, Collins wasn’t just a forward threat; he seamlessly transitioned to centre half-back when needed, showcasing his football intelligence and adaptability.

Off the field, his impact only grew. Collins served as Club Secretary from 1959 to 1966, then as President from 1967 to 1973, steering Footscray through a transformative era.

*** Ted Whitten

Years played: 1951-70
Games: 321 (10 finals)
Goals: 360
Best & Fairest: 1954, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961
Premiership: 1954
All Australian: 1956, 1958, 1961
State Games: 29
Leading goalkicker: 1961, 1962, 1964 (joint), 1968
Captain: 1957-70, Coach: 1957-66, 1969-71
Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend: 1996
AFL Team of the Century: Centre half-back and Captain
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Centre half-back and Captain

Edward James Whitten is a true icon of the Bulldogs and someone whose influence on the sport went far beyond the home ground that now bears his name, a status reflected by the deathless nickname 'Mr Football'.

He made his debut as a 17-year-old in 1951, won the first of five best and fairest awards in the Club's inaugural premiership year, was made captain-coach at the age of 23, guided his team to a Grand Final appearance in 1961, carried the hopes of Footscray throughout the 1960s and played a record 29 times for Victoria.

Whitten played a VFL-record 321 games in an inspirational 20-year playing career, captaining Footscray for 212 games and coaching for 228 (a record only recently surpassed by Luke Beveridge), with over 12 seasons as playing coach.
In further acknowledgment of his outstanding impact on the game, Whitten was awarded an OAM in 1992 and became the first inductee to the Australian Football Hall of Fame when it was instituted in 1996, immediately being elevated to Legend status. He was later named captain of not just the Bulldogs Team of the Century but the AFL's one too.

Inarguably the Club's greatest footballer of the 20th century, Whitten was also one of the biggest personalities in the game throughout and beyond his playing career. His lap of the MCG when he was battling cancer and close to death in 1995 will forever be one of the most moving scenes ever witnessed in the game.
04:57 Jun 17 2020 25 years since EJ's emotional lap.


Relive the emotional lap of the MCG by the great Ted Whitten.

*** John Schultz

Years played: 1958-68
Games: 188 (3 finals)
Goals: 37
Best & Fairest: 1960, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966
Best & Fairest runner-up: 1959, 1968
All Australian: 1961
State Games: 24
Night premierships: 1963, 1964, 1967
Brownlow Medal: 1960
Brownlow votes: 111
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 1996
Club Awards: Most Determined, Best First Year Player (1958), Most Consistent (1961, 1963, 1967), Best Clubman (1966, 1968)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Back pocket

There was no better ruckman in the 1960s than John Schultz. He gave the club incredible service over 11 seasons and 188 games, playing a club record 169 consecutive games.

Those who played on Schultz swore he was their toughest opponent. Known as ‘Gentleman John’ he was scrupulously fair, a fine mark and an exceptional palmer of the ball.

In 1960 he won the Brownlow Medal and the first of his record-equalling five club best and fairest awards (equalling the record that had been set by Norm Ware and Ted Whitten before him).

In 1966 he played in the club’s second Grand Final appearance and, while a premiership eluded the team that day, he played in Footscray’s first three night premierships (1963, 1964 and 1967).

When the EJ Whitten Stand was built at the then Western Oval, one of the five bays was named in Schultz's honour and he was selected as the resting ruckman in the back pocket in the Footscray-Western Bulldogs Team of the Century in 2002.

A man of great integrity and humanity, Schultz was further recognised by the club when, in 2011, it named its club ‘Community Award’ after him (the award being for players, who by their actions, have made a significant contribution to the wider community).

[Go_Dogs]

Are there any Woofers >115 years old who have seen them all?

From players I’ve seen, Grant, West, Johnson, Bont, Libba X 2, Wynd, M Boyd would all seem worthy contenders based on individual and team success metrics.

While Murphy is a Dog legend, not sure he’s beat 25. Same with blokes like Macrae, etc.

Luke Darcy probably could’ve been but for injury, on talent he absolutely makes it.

would be interesting if we’d snared a flsg
in the Rocket era how that would’ve changed the rankings of players like Harris/Lake, Gilbee, Gia etc.

[jazzadogs]

Are there any Woofers >115 years old who have seen them all?

From players I’ve seen, Grant, West, Johnson, Bont, Libba X 2, Wynd, M Boyd would all seem worthy contenders based on individual and team success metrics.

While Murphy is a Dog legend, not sure he’s beat 25. Same with blokes like Macrae, etc.

Luke Darcy probably could’ve been but for injury, on talent he absolutely makes it.

would be interesting if we’d snared a flsg
in the Rocket era how that would’ve changed the rankings of players like Harris/Lake, Gilbee, Gia etc.

Gia is probably the one for me, who might have edged out Bob or Boyd with a flag.