It's certainly been tough to watch the finals play out without us.

While it’s true that it was an unusual season and our win/loss record would usually be enough to qualify, we know that's not something we can be satisfied with.

Our ambition is always to improve, to play finals and to finish the season in as strong a position as possible and we will always strive for that. 

As the bitter disappointment of that final-round defeat fades, we can reflect on the positive aspects of our AFL season: our scintillating attacking play, the blooding of so much new talent, the superb example shown by our leaders and the stability and commitment of our playing group. 

We were competitive throughout the season and the margins of our losses demonstrated an improvement in consistency and a spirit of resilience that will stand to us.

It was frustrating that we couldn’t get over the line in more of those games but the gap between us and the other leading teams in the competition is narrowing and we’ll be doing everything we can to close it entirely. 

Improvement is clearly required to take that next step and we are being thorough in our assessments and targeted in our actions to get us to where we want to be.

Finding the appropriate strategic blend is crucial, and I'm confident we have the best people in place for that job. 

It's notable how committed our playing and coaching group are, both in the contractual sense and in their belief in the potential of what this group is capable of in the short-term.

In the past year we’ve seen Marcus Bontempelli, Sam Darcy, Ed Richards, Bailey Dale, Rory Lobb, Tom Liberatore, Adam Treloar and more commit their futures to the Kennel, giving us a strong and stable foundation to work from.

I'd like to congratulate our All Australians Marcus, Ed and Bailey as well as their fellow squad members Tom and Sam.

While I was delighted to see our Club represented by five players I believe there is at least one other who can consider themselves worthy of mention.

What an astonishing finish to the year Aaron Naughton had and how exciting to think about what that forward group could achieve at full strength next year.

Our Charles Sutton Medal count on Wed 1st October is sure to be a competitive one and I hope you can join us for what will be a spectacular gala event and another opportunity to celebrate the history of our beloved Club on the 100th anniversary of our entry to the competition. We will also be unveiling Jamie Cooper's magnificent painting of our 25 Greatest Bulldogs, so a special night is in store.

Tickets are available HERE

I'd also like to congratulate Libba on his nomination for two prestigious awards in recognition of his extensive work for our Community Foundation.

Tom devotes so much of his own time to Foundation initiatives, mentoring and encouraging participants on a weekly basis as well as providing strategic support and expertise. While he never seeks attention for those voluntary efforts, being nominated for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award and the Tom Hafey Heart of Football Award is richly deserved recognition and testament to what a wonderful human he is. 

It was a beautiful day at Mission Whitten Oval last Saturday as our Footscray Bulldogs progressed to the VFL Grand Final with a resounding victory over the Hawks.

Congratulations to Stewart Edge and his side on a terrific year and hopefully they can add a flag to their minor premiership with victory over Southport at Ikon Park this weekend. 

On the same day our Pups will take on the Brisbane Lions at Mission Whitten Oval as we look to get another win on the board in what’s been an intriguing W season.

We were pleased to extend Tamara Hyett’s contract as head coach in recent weeks given the strong connection she has with her players and the unity of purpose she’s brought to a rebuilding group.

With massive home games to come against Collingwood on Grand Final Eve and our Pride Game against Essendon, I’m confident of a big second half of the season.

Thank you again for your support which has never been stronger than it has been this year. More of you than ever attended our home AFL games and we yet again broke our membership record.

You have been a part of history and I hope you will remain on the journey with us as we strive to make more. 

With the days getting longer and plenty of footy still to be played by those wearing red, white and blue I hope you and your loved ones enjoy the coming months and are all as excited as I am about what lies ahead for our Club. 

Go Dogs!