25 Greatest Bulldogs

[jeemak]

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

I was always a huge Gia fan. He was excellent in close and an awesome finisher. However, if he ever made a list like this the supporter base would lose its mind.

Reckon Tory Dickson has a claim when it comes to impact as well, given he was a target in a short forward line and was key to a couple of wins in the club's biggest games. But his late start and lack of in-season dominance holds him back.

Not sure how Nathan Brown should be rated. His 2000 through 2003 seasons were excellent.

[jazzadogs]

I was always a huge Gia fan. He was excellent in close and an awesome finisher. However, if he ever made a list like this the supporter base would lose its mind.

Reckon Tory Dickson has a claim when it comes to impact as well, given he was a target in a short forward line and was key to a couple of wins in the club's biggest games. But his late start and lack of in-season dominance holds him back.

Not sure how Nathan Brown should be rated. His 2000 through 2003 seasons were excellent.

Yeh, saying Gia would be in the list if he had won a flag means rewriting some of his performances in finals (9 goals in 11 finals), which is why Boyd and Morris do make these lists and someone like Dickson is thrown up as an option.

[Mantis]

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

Really?

Besides longevity on what basis does he make it? I can’t recall him ever being in our best 5 players so to make our 25 best ever is a stretch way too far.

[jazzadogs]

Really?

Besides longevity on what basis does he make it? I can’t recall him ever being in our best 5 players so to make our 25 best ever is a stretch way too far.

It was in response to this hypothetical:
"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."

I think Gia had a great career and if he had hypothetically performed differently in finals, leading to a flag or two, then he would be seen very differently. He's one of the best from the 08-10 era imo. Obviously I don't think he's anywhere near the 25 on his actual career.

Be careful or I'll throw up Eagleton for consideration!

[jazzadogs]

Gary Dempsey

Years played: 1967-78
Games: 207 (2 finals)
Goals: 105
Best & Fairest: 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
Best & Fairest runner-up: 1971, 1972, 1978
All Australian: 1972
State games: 17 (at Footscray)
Night Premierships: 1967, 1970
Brownlow Medal: 1975
Brownlow votes: 148.5 (at Footscray)
Captain: 1971-72, 1977-78
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 1996
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Ruck

Former captain and six-time Best and Fairest winner Gary Dempsey has always been described as one of the all-time Bulldog greats, with that honour now formally bestowed upon him.

With a decorated 207-game career in the red, white and blue, Dempsey was a formidable ruck during his star playing days in the 1970s, He still holds the record for most Charles Sutton Medals won consecutively (1973-1977).

Dempsey’s consistency was highlighted by a record 13 finishes in the Brownlow Top 10 – with nine of those occasions happening during his career at the Kennel – and claimed the highest individual honour in 1975. Dempsey also has the third-placed medal in the Club's Best and Fairest awards named in his honour.


Doug Hawkins

Years played: 1978–94
Games: 329 (6 finals)
Goals: 216
Best & Fairest: 1985
All Australian: 1984, 1986
State games: 5
Captain: 1990–93
Club leading goalkicker: 1991
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2004
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Wing / Vice-captain

Among the club’s most loved players, Doug Hawkins made the outer wing at the Western Oval his own – eventually having it named in his honour. Superbly gifted, and skilled on both sides of the body, he was unbeatable one-on-one and rarely wasted a possession. The ‘Hawk’ firmly established his reputation as a wingman of class during the 1980s, earning a place in the Victorian state team in 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1989 and the VFL team of the year in 1984 and 1986.

Winning the club's best and fairest in 1985 and finishing runner-up on three other occasions, Hawkins’ genius was never more evident than during the 1985 finals series but, at his playing peak in 1986, he suffered a serious knee injury. When he returned a year later, it was to a hero’s welcome and he displayed all the nous and skill for which he was renowned.

After the tumultuous events of the 1989 Fightback, he relished the role of captain for four years, playing roles at half-back and up forward where he won the club goalkicking in 1991. He broke Ted Whitten’s longstanding record of 321 games in 1994, and went on to eventually play what was then a club record of 329 games.

In 2002, he was named as vice-captain and wingman in the Bulldogs Team of the Century and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2004. An inductee to the Footscray-Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame in 2010, Hawkins was elevated to Legend status in 2014, becoming the fourth player to receive the esteemed accolade. Doug Hawkins celebrates breaking the then Club record of 322 AFL games in 1994. (Photo: GSP Images)

Kelvin Templeton

Years Played: 1974–82
Games: 143 (1 final)
Goals: 494
Best & Fairest: 1978, 1980
State Games: 10
Brownlow Medal: 1980
Brownlow Votes: 35.5
Coleman Medal: 1978, 1979
Leading Club Goalkicker: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
Captain: 1982
Club Awards: Most Improved 1976, Most Consistent 1980
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Centre Half Forward

With his powerful frame and precision finishing, Kelvin Templeton is one of the most commanding forwards to ever wear the red, white and blue.

Across 143 games from 1974 to 1982, he became a goalkicking force — racking up 494 majors, five consecutive Club-leading goalkicker titles and a 15-goal masterclass against St Kilda in 1978 that still echoes as one of the Bulldogs’ most unforgettable performances.

Templeton’s brilliance peaked in 1980 when he became the first forward to claim the Brownlow Medal, pairing it with his second Best and Fairest and a Coleman Medal, underlining a season of dominance.

He captained Footscray in his final year and was later honoured at centre half-forward in the Club’s Team of the Century. His 2024 induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame was a fitting tribute to a footballer whose blend of strength, smarts and sharp-shooting made him one of the game’s most complete and enduring forwards.


Simon Beasley


Years Played: 1982–89
Games: 154 (3 finals)
Goals: 575
Coleman Medal: 1985
State Games: 6
Best & Fairest Top 4 finishes: 4
Pre-season Premiership: 1985
Brownlow Votes: 30
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Full Forward

Simon Beasley carved out a legendary career at the Western Bulldogs, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the club’s greatest goalkickers. Recruited from Swan Districts in 1982, Beasley made an immediate impact, playing 154 games and setting a club record of 575 goals – a mark that remains untouched.

In his debut VFL season, he booted 82 goals to finish runner-up in the Coleman Medal, offering an early glimpse of his sharp football brain, deceptive strength, and lethal accuracy.

His peak came in 1985, when he claimed the Coleman Medal with 95 goals in the home-and-away season. He added seven more in a semi-final against North Melbourne, finishing the year with 105 goals, becoming only the second Bulldog after Kelvin Templeton to kick a century in a season.

Throughout the 1980s, Beasley was a constant force; leading the Club’s goalkicking five times and outscoring every player in the league over the decade. His presence provided Footscray with a reliable attacking spearhead and elevated the team’s forward structure.

Retiring in 1989, Beasley was later named full-forward in the Team of the Century – a fitting honour for a player whose record-breaking feats continue to inspire generations of Bulldogs faithful.

25 Greatest Bulldogs (so far)

1925-45: Norm Ware, Harry Hickey, Arthur Olliver, Charlie Sutton, Allan Hopkins, Alby Morrison
1946-65: John Schultz, EJ Whitten, Wally Donald, Jack Collins
1966-85: Gary Dempsey, Doug Hawkins, Kelvin Templeton, Simon Beasley

[NAUGHTY100]

Gary Dempsey

Years played: 1967-78
Games: 207 (2 finals)
Goals: 105
Best & Fairest: 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
Best & Fairest runner-up: 1971, 1972, 1978
All Australian: 1972
State games: 17 (at Footscray)
Night Premierships: 1967, 1970
Brownlow Medal: 1975
Brownlow votes: 148.5 (at Footscray)
Captain: 1971-72, 1977-78
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 1996
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Ruck

Former captain and six-time Best and Fairest winner Gary Dempsey has always been described as one of the all-time Bulldog greats, with that honour now formally bestowed upon him.

With a decorated 207-game career in the red, white and blue, Dempsey was a formidable ruck during his star playing days in the 1970s, He still holds the record for most Charles Sutton Medals won consecutively (1973-1977).

Dempsey’s consistency was highlighted by a record 13 finishes in the Brownlow Top 10 – with nine of those occasions happening during his career at the Kennel – and claimed the highest individual honour in 1975. Dempsey also has the third-placed medal in the Club's Best and Fairest awards named in his honour.


Doug Hawkins

Years played: 1978–94
Games: 329 (6 finals)
Goals: 216
Best & Fairest: 1985
All Australian: 1984, 1986
State games: 5
Captain: 1990–93
Club leading goalkicker: 1991
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2004
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Wing / Vice-captain

Among the club’s most loved players, Doug Hawkins made the outer wing at the Western Oval his own – eventually having it named in his honour. Superbly gifted, and skilled on both sides of the body, he was unbeatable one-on-one and rarely wasted a possession. The ‘Hawk’ firmly established his reputation as a wingman of class during the 1980s, earning a place in the Victorian state team in 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1989 and the VFL team of the year in 1984 and 1986.

Winning the club's best and fairest in 1985 and finishing runner-up on three other occasions, Hawkins’ genius was never more evident than during the 1985 finals series but, at his playing peak in 1986, he suffered a serious knee injury. When he returned a year later, it was to a hero’s welcome and he displayed all the nous and skill for which he was renowned.

After the tumultuous events of the 1989 Fightback, he relished the role of captain for four years, playing roles at half-back and up forward where he won the club goalkicking in 1991. He broke Ted Whitten’s longstanding record of 321 games in 1994, and went on to eventually play what was then a club record of 329 games.

In 2002, he was named as vice-captain and wingman in the Bulldogs Team of the Century and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2004. An inductee to the Footscray-Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame in 2010, Hawkins was elevated to Legend status in 2014, becoming the fourth player to receive the esteemed accolade. Doug Hawkins celebrates breaking the then Club record of 322 AFL games in 1994. (Photo: GSP Images)

Kelvin Templeton

Years Played: 1974–82
Games: 143 (1 final)
Goals: 494
Best & Fairest: 1978, 1980
State Games: 10
Brownlow Medal: 1980
Brownlow Votes: 35.5
Coleman Medal: 1978, 1979
Leading Club Goalkicker: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
Captain: 1982
Club Awards: Most Improved 1976, Most Consistent 1980
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Centre Half Forward

With his powerful frame and precision finishing, Kelvin Templeton is one of the most commanding forwards to ever wear the red, white and blue.

Across 143 games from 1974 to 1982, he became a goalkicking force — racking up 494 majors, five consecutive Club-leading goalkicker titles and a 15-goal masterclass against St Kilda in 1978 that still echoes as one of the Bulldogs’ most unforgettable performances.

Templeton’s brilliance peaked in 1980 when he became the first forward to claim the Brownlow Medal, pairing it with his second Best and Fairest and a Coleman Medal, underlining a season of dominance.

He captained Footscray in his final year and was later honoured at centre half-forward in the Club’s Team of the Century. His 2024 induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame was a fitting tribute to a footballer whose blend of strength, smarts and sharp-shooting made him one of the game’s most complete and enduring forwards.


Simon Beasley


Years Played: 1982–89
Games: 154 (3 finals)
Goals: 575
Coleman Medal: 1985
State Games: 6
Best & Fairest Top 4 finishes: 4
Pre-season Premiership: 1985
Brownlow Votes: 30
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Full Forward

Simon Beasley carved out a legendary career at the Western Bulldogs, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the club’s greatest goalkickers. Recruited from Swan Districts in 1982, Beasley made an immediate impact, playing 154 games and setting a club record of 575 goals – a mark that remains untouched.

In his debut VFL season, he booted 82 goals to finish runner-up in the Coleman Medal, offering an early glimpse of his sharp football brain, deceptive strength, and lethal accuracy.

His peak came in 1985, when he claimed the Coleman Medal with 95 goals in the home-and-away season. He added seven more in a semi-final against North Melbourne, finishing the year with 105 goals, becoming only the second Bulldog after Kelvin Templeton to kick a century in a season.

Throughout the 1980s, Beasley was a constant force; leading the Club’s goalkicking five times and outscoring every player in the league over the decade. His presence provided Footscray with a reliable attacking spearhead and elevated the team’s forward structure.

Retiring in 1989, Beasley was later named full-forward in the Team of the Century – a fitting honour for a player whose record-breaking feats continue to inspire generations of Bulldogs faithful.

25 Greatest Bulldogs (so far)

1925-45: Norm Ware, Harry Hickey, Arthur Olliver, Charlie Sutton, Allan Hopkins, Alby Morrison
1946-65: John Schultz, EJ Whitten, Wally Donald, Jack Collins
1966-85: Gary Dempsey, Doug Hawkins, Kelvin Templeton, Simon Beasley

Intresting that of the 4 players mentioned here , notably 1966-85: Gary Dempsey, Doug Hawkins, Kelvin Templeton, Simon Beasley .
All but Simon Beasley left the Bulldogs to finish their careers. Dempsy to North Melbourne , Hawkins to Fitzroy and Templeton to Melbourne .
Seems that era the club would sell off their ageing stars to keep afloat .

[Bornadog]

25 Greatest Bulldogs: Part 4 (1986-2005)


The penultimate group of legendary Bulldogs has been unveiled.

By Western Bulldogs Media
Brad Johnson and Chris Grant. (Photo: GSP Images)

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.
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 available to be live-streamed on the Club 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 1986 and 2005.


*** Scott Wynd

Years played: 1988–2000
Games: 237 (10 finals)
Goals: 31
Best & Fairest: 1992; Top 4: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996
All Australian: 1992
Brownlow Medal: 1992
Brownlow Votes: 91
Club Awards: Most Determined (1989), Most Consistent (1997, 1998), Best Clubman (1993)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Interchange

Amid the Club’s most respected figures, Scott Wynd produced a legacy as one of the Western Bulldogs’ greatest ruckmen, blending strength, skill and leadership throughout 13 seasons. Debuting in 1988, he quickly became the Dogs’ first-choice ruck and stood as a dominant force throughout the 1990s.

Wynd’s brilliance shone brightest in 1992, a landmark year when he claimed the Brownlow Medal, Charles Sutton Medal and All Australian honours — all at just 22 years old.

That defining season ignited a new chapter for the Club, as Wynd’s leadership propelled a young Bulldogs side into finals contention and sparked a powerful belief that rippled throughout the entire playing group.

Appointed captain in 1994, he led with humility and resilience until his retirement in 2000, becoming the second-longest serving skipper in Club history. His leadership helped shape a generation of Bulldogs players.

A three-time Victorian representative and a revered member of the Bulldogs Team of the Century, Wynd’s 2012 induction into the Club’s Hall of Fame immortalised a career that stands as the gold standard for ruck excellence and unyielding loyalty to the red, white and blue.
Scott Wynd after winning the 1992 Brownlow Medal. (Photo: GSP Images)

*** Chris Grant

Years played: 1990-2007
Games: 341 (15 finals)
Goals: 554
Best & Fairest: 1994, 1996 (joint); Runner-up: 1997, 1998, 1999; Third place: 2001
All Australian: 1997, 1998, 1999
State games: 5
Brownlow votes: 112
Captain: 2001-04
Leading Club Goalkicker: 1990, 1994
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2012
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Half forward

Chris Grant forged an incredible career after arriving via the Club's (barely believable) pick number 105 in the 1988 VFL Draft.

Grant was a star with the Bulldogs from his debut as a skinny 17-year-old kid in 1990, eventually becoming the youngest player in league history to kick 50 goals in a season.

As his body developed he moved out to centre-half-forward and by 1994 he was in peak form winning the Best & Fairest and leading the Club goal-kicking with 74 majors. Grant showed his versatility when he moved to centre half-back in 1996 and fell just one vote short of winning the Brownlow Medal. The following year he polled the most Brownlow votes but had been ruled ineligible after a controversial one-match suspension.

He played a then Club record 341 games after overcoming a knee injury that saw him miss all but one game of the 2003 season; he kicked 554 goals in 18 seasons between 1990-2007; captained the Club between 2001-04 and polled 112 Brownlow votes, the same as Club legend and fellow No 3, Ted Whitten.

02:56 Apr 16 2025 Throwback | Grant collects 25 and 5 in Semi Final victory


Chris Grant finished with 25 disposals and 5 goals in an upset victory over St Kilda in the 1992 Semi Final.

*** Scott West


Years played: 1993-2008
Games: 324 (12 finals)
Goals: 104
Best & Fairest: 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005
All-Australian: 1998, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006
State Games: 1
Brownlow votes: 175
Brownlow Top 10 finishes: 1998, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Follower

Scott West stands as one of the Bulldogs’ most revered midfielders, celebrated for his tireless work ethic, elite endurance, and exceptional ability to win the ball in tight spaces.

Across 16 seasons and 324 games, West was the heartbeat of the Bulldogs’ midfield and one of the AFL’s most prolific ball winners. His toughness, clean hands, and ability to dominate stoppages consistently opened opportunities for his teammates.

West was pivotal in the Bulldogs’ finals appearances across 1994-95, 1997-2000, and 2006, driving success through sheer determination. His consistency was extraordinary — winning a club-record seven Charles Sutton Medals, earning five All-Australian selections, and polling Brownlow votes in 14 seasons.

Despite twice finishing runner-up in the Brownlow Medal, his legacy of sustained brilliance was firmly cemented. West’s influence lives on, honoured through his induction into the Bulldogs Hall of Fame, the Australian Football Hall of Fame, and the Bulldogs’ Team of the Century.


*** Brad Johnson

Years played: 1994-2010
Games: 364 (21 finals)
Goals: 558
Best & Fairest: 1999, 2002, 2006; Runner-up: 2003, 2007; Third place: 2000, 2004
State games: 3
All-Australian: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007
Brownlow votes: 79
Leading Club Goalkicker: 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Captain: 2006-10
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2014
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Interchange

With his infectious smile and boyish enthusiasm, Brad Johnson was an immensely popular player and captain at Whitten Oval, becoming the Club's games record holder in a brilliant career.

He progressed from a wingman/midfielder to forward-line match winner. His overhead marking and speed off the mark proved a handful for the very best defenders, while his goalkicking exploits saw him kick the second most career goals of any Bulldog.

Drafted from the Western Jets, Johnson was a six-time All-Australian (once as captain); triple best and fairest winner; Victorian representative in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and played in more finals than any other Bulldog player.

When only halfway through his career, he was chosen on the interchange bench in the Bulldogs’ Team of the Century. Stylish and clever, ‘Johnno’ had it all – class, consistency, fierce determination, resilience, versatility and courage in abundance.

01:14 Jun 10 2023 Legend | Brad Johnson


All-time favourite Bulldog Brad Johnson has joined the greats of the red, white and blue to be elevated to Legend status in the Hall of Fame.


*** Tony Liberatore

Years played: 1986–2002
Games: 283 (13 finals)
Goals: 95
Best & Fairest: 1991; Runner-up: 1992, 1993, 1995
Brownlow Medal: 1990
Brownlow votes: 112
Club Awards: Best Team Man (2001), Most Determined (1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000)
Bulldogs Team of the Century: Interchange

Tony Liberatore stands as one of the Bulldogs’ most courageous and determined figures. Arriving at the Club in 1986 after a stint with North Melbourne he quickly made his mark, winning the Gardiner Medal as the VFL reserves best and fairest. Despite early setbacks and limited senior opportunities, he refused to be deterred — claiming a second Gardiner Medal in 1988 and continuing to push for a senior spot.

His breakthrough came in 1990 under coach Terry Wheeler. Given a full-season opportunity, Liberatore averaged 26 disposals across 19 games before a knee injury ended his year. His incredible impact was rewarded with the Brownlow Medal — a stunning recognition of his relentless effort and commitment. Tony Liberatore comes onto the ground in his final game with his children Oliver, Meg and Thomas. (Photo: GSP Images)
From that moment on, Liberatore became a fixture in the Bulldogs midfield. Renowned for his tackling pressure and ball-winning ability, he adapted his game over time, evolving into one of the league’s best taggers. Across a 283-game career, he kicked 95 goals and built a reputation as one of the game’s fiercest competitors.

Liberatore’s loyalty, intensity and love for the contest made him a fan favourite and a respected figure across the league — a true embodiment of the grit and spirit that defines the Western Bulldogs.

[Bornadog]

*** 25 Greatest Bulldogs (so far)


1925-45: Norm Ware, Harry Hickey, Arthur Olliver, Charlie Sutton, Allan Hopkins, Alby Morrison
1946-65: John Schultz, EJ Whitten, Wally Donald, Jack Collins
1966-85: Gary Dempsey, Doug Hawkins, Kelvin Templeton, Simon Beasley
1986-2005: Scott Wynd, Chris Grant, Scott West, Brad Johnson, Tony Liberatore

[Go_Dogs]

Yeh, saying Gia would be in the list if he had won a flag means rewriting some of his performances in finals (9 goals in 11 finals), which is why Boyd and Morris do make these lists and someone like Dickson is thrown up as an option.

Morris is a great shout and a player I had neglected to include. He should absolutely make it.

[Bornadog]

Six to go and we know Tom Libba, Bont and Ellie Blackburn are in.

Who makes the final 3?

Morris, Boyd and Murphy??????

[Bigdog]

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.

It probably depends how you mark players. I am looking at is the 25 best footballers.

I think Jack Macrae is a better footballer than Libba. I think he won 3 AA and has played bigger roles in final wins. I believe Libba has been a more influential club man (not always for good in his early years).

I have Brian Lakes football along way ahead of Morris, Libba, Bob and Boydy. Lake was the best full back in the game for a couple of years in an era when Mathew Scarlet, Darren Glass and Ben Rutten were in there primes. I don’t think any of Morris, Libba, Bob or Boydy were the best in the afl at there position. Lake in 2010 was also by far our best player IMO. I don’t think any of the aforementioned were ever our best player (Maybe Libba 2014).

if I was to do a hard and fast list of top 10 dogs post 2000. I’m going:

1. Bont
2. Johnson
3. Macrae
4. Lake
5. S.West
6. R.Murphy
7. T.Libba
8. E.Wood
9. R.Griffin
10. M.Boyd
11.D.Morris

Cooney is a bit unlucky, but his knee failed him post 2010. I thought all his years under McCartney were very mediocre. I also thought Morris’ McCartney years were poor. He was lucky enough to be coached by Bevo.

Caleb Daniel could also be in this list.

[Mat Lyons]

Six more players selected will be: Murphy, Morris, Blackburn, Wood, Liberatore, Bontempelli.

[jazzadogs]

Bob Murphy
Years played: 2000–17
Games: 312 (10 finals)
Goals: 183
Best & Fairest Top 4 finishes: 2003, 2011, 2013, 2015
All Australian: 2011, 2015 (captain)
Brownlow Votes: 48
Captain: 2015–2017
AFLPA Captain of the Year: 2015
Club Awards: Most Promising Player (2001), Best Team Man (2003), Coaches Award (2014)

Robert ‘Bob’ Murphy is celebrated as one of the Western Bulldogs’ most versatile and cherished legends. Drafted at pick 13 in 1999, he burst onto the AFL stage in 2000, quickly becoming a club icon across 312 games with his unique blend of talent, fortitude, and inspiring leadership.

His standout 2001 season earned him an AFL Rising Star nomination and the Bulldogs’ Most Promising Player award, marking the start of an extraordinary career.

In 2005, Murphy’s adaptability shone as he shifted from defender to centre half-forward, embracing new challenges under fresh coaching.

Adopting the opportunity of new trials and persevering through injury setbacks, he exhibited his excellence in 2011 with All-Australian honours and a close runner-up finish in the best and fairest count.

As the Bulldogs’ captain in 2015, Murphy made history by being named both AFLPA Captain of the Year and All-Australian captain - an unprecedented double - while again finishing runner-up in the best and fairest.

Though a devastating ACL injury cut his 2016 season short, Murphy’s unwavering leadership became the emotional heartbeat of the Bulldogs’ drought-breaking premiership run, a legacy honoured when he was called on stage by Luke Beveridge to help lift the trophy.

Retiring in 2017, he left a legacy of heart, grit and unwavering passion, one of the truest representations of what it means to be a Bulldog.

***

Matthew Boyd
Years played: 2003–17
Games: 292 (16 finals)
Goals: 86
Best & Fairest: 2009, 2011, 2012; Top 4 finishes: 6
Premiership: 2016
All Australian: 2009, 2011, 2016
Brownlow Votes: 108
Captain: 2011–2013
Club Awards: Match Committee Award (2006, 2007), Best Team Player (2016), Coaches Award (2015)

Matthew Boyd stands as one of the Western Bulldogs’ most enduring and influential figures.

Recruited via the 2002 rookie draft from Frankston and the Dandenong Stingrays, he debuted in 2003 and quickly became a cornerstone of the Club’s resurgence.

Over 15 seasons in the red, white and blue, Boyd played 292 games — reflecting his remarkable durability and unwavering commitment.

His impact peaked in 2009, when he earned All Australian honours and won the Charles Sutton Medal. Named captain in 2011, he led with trademark determination, claiming back-to-back Club Champion awards in 2011 and 2012, along with another All Australian selection.

Despite injury setbacks in 2013, Boyd’s leadership remained vital, culminating in a defining role in the 2016 premiership. That season, he averaged 27 disposals and at 11,482 total metres gained, ranking second in the league overall and earning a third All Australian honour.

Tough, tireless and universally admired, Matthew Boyd defined what it means to be a Bulldog. His 2023 Hall of Fame induction immortalised a legacy of premiership glory, leadership and heart — an enduring inspiration to teammates, fans and the Club’s proud spirit.

***

Dale Morris
Years played: 2005–2011, 2013–2019
Games: 253 (14 finals)
Goals: 3
Best & Fairest Top 4 finish: 2006, 2008, 2009, 2016
Premiership: 2016
All Australian: 2008
Brownlow votes: 1
Club Awards: Most Promising Player (2005), Match Committee Award (2008), Most Courageous (2009, 2013), Best Team Player (2011)

Dale Morris remains one of the Western Bulldogs’ most iconic and transformative figures, a quiet achiever whose legacy was built on heart, discipline and team-first values.

Across 253 games over 14 seasons, Morris anchored the backline with unwavering presence, playing 14 finals and etching his name into history as a cornerstone of the Club’s defensive ordnance.

Drafted as a rookie, he burst onto the scene as the most promising player in 2005 and never looked back. His All Australian nod in 2008 capped off a season where he also claimed the Match Committee Award, one of many honours including Most Courageous (2009, 2013) and Best Team Player (2011).

A four-time top-four finisher in the Club’s best and fairest and a key part of the 2010 pre-season premiership as well as the famous 2016 premiership, Morris wasn’t about personal accolades. A true team player, he focused on the moments that lifted the team, a wonderful exemplar of the Club's heart and soul.


***

Tom Liberatore
Years played: 2011–present
Games: 251 (10 finals)
Goals: 87
Best & Fairest: 2014; Top 4 finishes: 7
Premiership: 2016
Captain: Part 2025
Brownlow Votes: 50
Club Awards: Best First Year (2011), Most Improved (2013), Most Courageous (2014, 2016), Best Team Player (2014, 2020), Community Award (2024)

Tom Liberatore has forged a remarkable career as one of the Bulldogs’ most fearless and selfless midfielders, renowned for his toughness, clearance craft and relentless attack on the contest.

A father-son selection, Liberatore quickly established himself as a key cog in the Bulldogs’ midfield, bringing an edge of grit and determination that became a hallmark of his game.

His breakout 2014 season saw him claim the Charles Sutton Medal as the Club’s best and fairest, along with the Scott West Most Courageous Player and Brad Johnson Best Team Player awards.

A serious knee injury sidelined him in 2015, but true to his resilient nature Liberatore returned in 2016 to play a crucial role in the Club’s drought-breaking premiership, pushing through a late-season ankle injury to stand tall on the game’s biggest stage.

Across his career, Liberatore has earned widespread admiration for his consistency and tenacity. By 2023, he reached the significant milestone of 200 games — becoming just the 12th father-son player to do so at the same Club.

His honours include the Doug Hawkins Medal (runner-up best and fairest) in 2013 and 2022, the Gary Dempsey Medal (third in best and fairest) in 2020, and two John van Groningen Domestique Awards.

A tireless competitor and selfless teammate, his off-field impact has also been recognised with the John Schultz Community Award and the Bruce Wilkinson AFL Trainers’ Award in 2022. A premiership hero and fan favourite, Libba's legacy is one of heart, humility and unwavering loyalty to the red, white and blue.

**

Marcus Bontempelli
Years played: 2014–present
Games: 252* (13 finals)
Goals: 232
Best & Fairest: 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024
Premiership: 2016
All Australian: 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 (captain)
Brownlow Top 10 finishes: 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023
Brownlow career votes: 188*
AFLPA MVP: 2021, 2023, 2024
Captain: 2020–present

Marcus Bontempelli has forged a legacy that few can rival at the Bulldogs. A six-time All-Australian and six-time Charles Sutton Medallist, he has become one of the most influential midfielders of his generation, admired for both his skill and his leadership.

Selected with pick four in the 2013 AFL Draft, Bontempelli made an immediate impact when he debuted the following season. His composure, sharp decision-making, and trademark left foot quickly set him apart. By 2016, he was a central figure in the Bulldogs’ historic premiership, helping to deliver the Club’s first flag in 62 years.

Appointed captain in 2020, Bontempelli has led with both courage and compassion. He has built a culture of inclusion and connection, ensuring every player feels supported and valued within the red, white, and blue. His leadership has shaped the fabric of the Bulldogs.

His on-field achievements are remarkable: three AFLPA MVP awards (2021, 2023, 2024), All-Australian captaincy in 2024, and two Brownlow Medal runner-up finishes. His consistency is underlined by six Charles Sutton Medals.

Beyond football, Bontempelli’s commitment to community has been profound. His contributions have been recognised through multiple John van Groningen Community Awards. His impact as a player, leader, and person is already firmly etched in Bulldogs history.

***

Ellie Blackburn
Years played: 2017–present
Games: 71 (2 finals)
Goals: 29
Best & Fairest: 2017, 2021, 2022 (S6), 2022 (S7), 2023
Premiership: 2018
All-Australian: 2017, 2018, 2021
Captain: 2019–2023
AFLW Best & Fairest votes: 10*
Leading Club Goalkicker: 2017
AFLPA AFLW Best Captain: 2021
Club Records: Games, Goalkicking

Ellie Blackburn has long secured her status as the Bulldogs’ greatest AFLW star, representing the red, white and blue since its first league game with unmatched skill and leadership.

A three-time All-Australian and five-time club best and fairest winner, her explosive pace, poise, and versatility as a midfielder-forward has defined her 71-game career.


Blackburn captained the Bulldogs on the day of their 2018 AFLW premiership and was named AFLPA Best Captain in 2021. She led the club’s goalkicking in 2017 and has kicked 29 career goals. A three-time AFLPA 22Under22 selection (2017-2019) and runner-up in the 2021 AFLW Best and Fairest, her impact is undeniable.

Off the field, her dedication to the club’s values has made her a fan favourite. Blackburn’s legacy as a trailblazer and Bulldogs great is firmly cemented.

[angelopetraglia]

25 Greatest Bulldogs (full list)

1925-45: Norm Ware, Harry Hickey, Arthur Olliver, Charlie Sutton, Allan Hopkins, Alby Morrison
1946-65: John Schultz, EJ Whitten, Wally Donald, Jack Collins
1966-85: Gary Dempsey, Doug Hawkins, Kelvin Templeton, Simon Beasley
1986-99: Scott Wynd, Chris Grant, Scott West, Brad Johnson, Tony Liberatore
2000-25: Bob Murphy, Matthew Boyd, Dale Morris, Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli, Ellie Blackburn

Who are the unluckiest to miss out?

Rohan Smith
Daniel Giansiracusa
Stephen Wallis
Jack Macrae
Luke Darcy
Adam Cooney
Ryan Griffen
Brian Royal
Easton Wood
Bernie Quinlan

[Bornadog]

25 Greatest Bulldogs (full list)

1925-45: Norm Ware, Harry Hickey, Arthur Olliver, Charlie Sutton, Allan Hopkins, Alby Morrison
1946-65: John Schultz, EJ Whitten, Wally Donald, Jack Collins
1966-85: Gary Dempsey, Doug Hawkins, Kelvin Templeton, Simon Beasley
1986-99: Scott Wynd, Chris Grant, Scott West, Brad Johnson, Tony Liberatore
2000-25: Bob Murphy, Matthew Boyd, Dale Morris, Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli, Ellie Blackburn

Who are the unluckiest to miss out?

Rohan Smith
Daniel Giansiracusa
Stephen Wallis
Jack Macrae
Luke Darcy
Adam Cooney
Ryan Griffen
Brian Royal
Easton Wood
Bernie Quinlan

Bernie played more games for Fitzroy. Of the others, who would they replace?

I think they got it right