Premiership heroes Fletcher Roberts, Shane Biggs and Clay Smith were formally inducted as Western Bulldogs life members at Wednesday’s AFL Season Launch.

The Bulldogs will never forget the trio’s efforts and influence, particularly during the 2016 finals series.

Collectively, Roberts, Biggs and Smith played 161 games for the red, white and blue.

Roberts, drafted to the club in 2012, said being awarded life membership is an honour he will appreciate forever.

“To be chosen to play in the 2016 Grand Final, and be able to represent the club for over eight years has been a privilege,” he said.

“I will cherish this (life membership) for the rest of my life.”

Biggs became a Bulldog in 2015, before calling time on his AFL career at the end of 2018.

While the tone of his speech was quite different to Roberts, the sentiment remained the same.

“I feel a bit embarrassed after four years at the club getting this, but it was a pretty good four years,” Biggs said.

“I met a lot of good people who made me who I am today.”

Smith joined the Kennel during the 2011 AFL Draft, but was forced to retire halfway through the 2018 season having battled a knee injury. 

“I got to enjoy a great seven years at this football club – I spent a lot of time on the sidelines, but came good at the time when it mattered the most,” he said.

“We got to enjoy that 2016 year, but I enjoyed every other year just as much – the bonds and friendships that I carried through those seven years are ones I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

The three also thanked coaches, teammates, staff, fans and members for all their support and contributions throughout their careers.