The Western Bulldogs' push for a spot in the AFL Finals series has ramped up over the last month. 

Currently sitting one game outside the top eight, the Dogs will need to finish the year strongly to make the cut with critical games against the Demons, Eagles and Dockers ahead of them in the final three rounds.  

Despite the challenge ahead, CEO Ameet Bains shared his hopes that the Dogs can do everything in their control to get the job done while also praising the group for their development in the 2025 season.  

“One game out and three games to play. Unfortunately, it has fallen that way,” Bains said on SEN’s Whateley.  

“We’ve been chasing a bit in the last few weeks, so obviously need to take care of what’s in our control.  

“The growth for our group this year, notwithstanding that we are ninth, is that the gap between our best and worst has narrowed significantly.”  

Off the field, it’s been another important year for the Club as it celebrated 100 years since its debut in the VFL/AFL.  

Formally kicking off at the Round 2 game against Collingwood, the Dogs’ celebrations have provided fans and the Club with the chance to look back at a vibrant history filled with unforgettable moments and characters.  

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity for the Club to celebrate its centenary in the VFL/AFL competition,” Bains said. 

“I’m a football nuffy, so the ability to look back on our history and really honour the men and women on field and off field who have played their part has been really great and humbling for all of us that are current custodians at the Club.” 

The celebrations came to a high point at a special Centenary Gala held at the Club, where the 25 Greatest Bulldogs of the last 100 years were revealed. 

The 25 included both past-and-present Bulldogs who have played a significant role in the Club’s history over the last 100 years, celebrating their commitment to the red, white and blue.  

A Top 5 was also unveiled on the night with current captain Marcus Bontempelli ranking second to the great EJ ‘Ted’ Whitten.  

While there was some external debate as to whether Bontempelli had overtaken Whitten as ‘top Dog’, Bains believed that Mr Football’s contributions made him entirely worthy of top spot.  

“Ted Whitten's contribution to the game to the Club is unbelievable,” Bains said. “Everything that he did, obviously in a Victorian capacity and then for our football club was phenomenal.  

“It's probably a little bit hard for Marcus because he's still in his career and in the peak of his power, so it'd be an interesting conversation again for someone else. Maybe in 10 years’ time.” 

The milestone year has also provided another milestone moment for the Club, with another membership record in 2025.

For the fourth consecutive year, Dogs’ members have shown their willingness to sign up and show up with a new total of 63,000+ members announced late last week.  

The Dogs are also on track to break their all-time attendance record in the final rounds – something that Bains believes shows the comittment of the red, white and blue faithful.  

“It’s a great testimony to our fanbase and the support we get,” he said. 

“You know, we're really grateful for that, really passionate committed fans and yeah, hopefully give them something to really cheer about.”