Bulldogs Museum at Whitten Oval

In March 2013 the club officially opened the Bulldogs Museum, located on the ground floor of the John Gent Stand at Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs Museum has twelve themed cabinets showcasing the Club’s history from inception in the 1880’s to modern day.

Our Hall of Fame display honours those who have made a significant contribution to the Club with 13 Pioneers from the early era of the club to 21 inductees with names such as Grant, Collins and Liberatore.  Our three legends – Schultz, Sutton and Whitten feature in the Hall of Fame and museum cabinets.

Three paintings by sports artist Jamie Cooper feature in the museum and include the Warriors of the West Painting and our Team of the Century Painting from 2002.
 
Housing invaluable knowledge about the people and the ideas that have shaped our unique Club, the Museum is accessible to the whole community during business hours to allow everyone the opportunity to understand the history of the club through this collection of objects.

You can also become a Patron of the Museum through our Foundation.  Any donation over $2.00 is tax deductible through the Sport Development Fund and donor who donates $1,000 or more will become a Patron of the Museum and receive a patron badge, a Certificate of Appreciate and their name displayed on the electronic Honour Board in the Museum.

Download a donation form here.

The Bulldogs Heritage - Historic Players Register

The Bulldog Heritage - Historical Players Register features the stories of ninety players of the Footscray/Western Bulldogs Football Club was officially launched by the Forever Foundation at the Club’s inaugural Hall of Fame in 2010.

The stories come from players who played for the Club and wore the Red, White and Blue jumper at under 19, reserve or senior level. All of the stories are unique but together they combine to give readers an understanding of what it was like to be part of the Club across the eras.

Here’s just a snapshot from across the eras of some of the great stories included. 

VFA 1886 – 1924 era

ALEX "TATTLES" PATTERSON: Tattles was conferred with the Belgian Croix De Guerre by the King of Belgium after the First World War.  On his return to Australia he was met at the dock by two of the Footscray Committee who greeted him with a shout "Tattles are you fit, can you play on Saturday?"

1925 – 1939 era

JIM MILLER: The Footscray Football Club has always played a major part in my life and it still does today.  I watched Allan Hopkins, Footscray's brilliant centreman play for the whole of his career from 1925-34.

1940 – 1950 era

CHARLIE SUTTON: I treated grand final day as a normal day.  There was a good atmosphere in the rooms before the game.  We were keyed up to do the job against Melbourne.  They all had their instructions.  I wanted them to play football.  I took on the heavy stuff.  I told the boys to shop early and avoid the rush.

 LIONEL RYAN:  My desire to be a League footballer began when I was four.  My dad bought me a proper leather half size football.  I can remember waking on my fourth birthday and feeling and smelling this lovely leather football.

DAVE BRYDEN: I always played it hard but fair, well some of the time I would step over the line, in fact now that I recall, many a time.

HARVEY STEVENS:  I was destined to play for Footscray.  When I was born on 8th August, 1930, my parents lived in Gordon Street, right opposite the Western Oval.   My father was captain of Footscray at that time.

1960 – 1970 era

IAN BRYANT: In 1961 the grand final was memorable.  I can remember being third in line coming out behind Ted Whitten and John Schultz.

PETER WELSH: The loyalty of the people made me realise I didn't want to let the Club go without a fight, so I helped out with the campaign and later became a Board Member.

This book is a must read, not only for all Bulldogs supporters, but for all who are interested in Australian Football. To order your copy, click here.