The Western Bulldogs Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 1954 premiership player Don Ross.

Ross, 92, was one of the Club’s two surviving 1954 premiership players, having played 129 senior games for Footscray between 1952 and 1958, including the 1954 triumph.

Don Ross (centre-left) and Charles Sutton (centre-right) celebrating with teammates after the 1954 VFL premiership victory.

A highly respected and admired figure, Ross won Footscray’s Best & Fairest award in 1956 and was famously described by Club legend Arthur Olliver as the “ultimate team man”.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Club, he was inducted into the Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame in 2018.

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Ross: 'I played with a lot of great players'

Watch Don Ross's following his induction into the Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame in 2018.

Ross's connection to the Club extended through his family, with his son Paul also representing the Club, playing three senior games during the 1980 season.

On behalf of everyone at the Western Bulldogs, we extend our deepest condolences to Don’s wife Shirley, his children Paul, Sandra and Jennifer, and all of his family and friends during this difficult time.