Player, coach, and Club icon, Ted Whitten remains one of the most revered figures in Australian rules football. 

A legend in both the Western Bulldogs and AFL’s Hall of Fame, Whitten was a key member of Footscray’s first premiership team in 1954. Over a remarkable career spanning from 1951 to 1970, he played a then Club and VFL record 321 games. 

Whitten played his final game at the Western Oval in 1970 against Hawthorn. His rousing three-quarter time speech that day, delivered with trademark passion, has since become part of Club folklore.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he was named captain and centre half-back in the official VFL/AFL Team of the 20th Century. 

In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, the E.J. Whitten Stand, opened in 1969, was named in his honour. Following his passing in August 1995, the Western Oval was renamed Whitten Oval, and the main entrance to the ground became Whitten Avenue. 

A lasting tribute to his legacy stands outside the Club’s administration building—the iconic statue of Whitten, created by sculptor Peter Corlett and unveiled in August 1997.