Bulldogs President Kylie Watson-Wheeler says she's feeling good about the Club's prospects about the season ahead, insisting "we have as good a chance as anyone".
Speaking to SEN Breakfast with Garry & Tim as part of the Club's annual membership blitz, Watson-Wheeler said that having reflected on last season and identified what needed to improve, the AFL program is ready for a big 2026.
"We've certainly spent a lot of time reflecting on (last) year and the things that went well and the things that didn't," Watson-Wheeler said. "And how we improve those has definitely been our focus in the off season. But we're very focused now on the year ahead and the season that is fast approaching and we feel really optimistic about where we're heading.
"I don't think it's a secret that we definitely need to work on our defence. And that has been a focus of the coaching group and of the broader football department. So we certainly understand where it is that we need to lean into and where we need to develop ourselves.
"Hopefully the footy gods shine on us and everything goes our way and we can achieve what we know we can be capable of. If clubs are not aspiring to win a Premiership, then I'm not sure why we're here. So we're certainly aspiring to that and we'll be doing everything we can to position ourselves in the best possible place for that. If everything goes our way, we have as good a chance as anyone.
"We had a tough start to the season last year. And I think when we reflect on where we ended up, I think sometimes we forget that … a big chunk of the season was riddled with some pretty serious injuries of some of our top players.
"So I think that's important when we're kind of factoring in where we're at now and, touch wood, we're heading into the season with a relatively small number of injuries and hopefully we can get a really strong start."
Watson-Wheeler also spoke about the Club's ambitions beyond the western suburbs and throughout the west of Victoria, including its vital connection to Ballarat.
"When you think about that western corridor and being able to really engage with new people to the area, people who are into footy and really want to have that connection with a club, we've got a real opportunity to do that. And we're seeing great inroads, particularly with our connection with Ballarat," she said.
"In some ways you're trying to bring people into the code as well as into the club but we do have the greatest game in the world. So finding ways to help connect those audiences with footy and for us to be a catalyst for that."
Watson-Wheeler also spoke about her own commitment to the Club while juggling her roles as Managing Director of Walt Disney in Australia and New Zealand and Head of ESPN Asia Pacific.
"I love my Doggies and it's in my heart and runs in my blood. So anything that can do to help my club is important to me. So, yeah, it's a privilege," she said.
"Obviously having a great CEO is important, which we definitely do. Ameet Bains is an extraordinary CEO. We work really closely together, we have a great rhythm and we have a really strong club. So we get it done."
Footy for $9 a game? Done.
Those who sign up for the exclusive and limited offer, as well as all existing members will also go in the draw to win a private suite to our Round 1 match against GWS.
Members who have already signed up for the 2026 season will also enjoy a double discount of 20% off at the Bulldogs Shop for 48 hours.
Take advantage of this limited offer and become a member today.
