Western Bulldogs’ kennel better than ever at Whitten Oval

The club’s spiritual home at Whitten Oval has been transformed into an elite sporting precinct, with the support of the Victorian Government.

The elite redevelopment of the iconic Whitten Oval and home of the Western Bulldogs is now complete – with the unveiling of the final stage which will support the club for generations to come.

The redevelopment has helped transform the iconic suburban ground in the heart of the western suburbs, featuring the Indoor Training Field, Advanced Performance Centre and new Whitten Stand to complete a world-class sporting precinct for both the Western Bulldogs and the community.

Club president Kylie Watson-Wheeler is proud to look back on how far the Bulldog’s spiritual home has come during her time as a supporter and administrator.

‘For those of us who attended the 'Save the Bulldogs' rally here all those years ago, it would have been unbelievable to imagine what Whitten Oval would become.

‘We’re proud to provide such an important point of connection for our fans and our neighbours in one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in Victoria with this state-of-the-art venue.’

Backed by a more than $46 million investment from the Victorian Government – the new EJ Whitten Stand features improved seating and facilities for spectators, along with a new function room, administration offices, and space for the club’s renowned Community Foundation to deliver its programs across the western suburbs.

The new Indoor Training Field provides a world-class, all-weather venue for the Western Bulldogs’ AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW teams to train in all conditions – delivering integrated men’s and women’s football program facilities.

Isabella Grant is a new member in the AFLW team’s leadership group, while also carrying on the tradition of the Grant name at Whitten Oval, as the daughter of club legend Chris Grant. She believes the upgrade will do wonders for the club’s AFLW program.

‘Having access to incredible facilities like this is only going to help grow our program in the future, especially in the women’s space having access to our own area, the incredible aquatics facilities, the new theatrette.’

An expanded Advanced Performance Centre will also support the club’s training and community programs – boosting opportunities for teams and players on and off the field. The upgraded precinct also features new broadcast quality sports lighting, a refurbished entry building and club museum.

Fans from across Victoria and interstate will also enjoy the new match day pavilion at AFLW matches, which features a new function room and additional food and beverage options to bolster the off-field experience.

Named in honour of club legend Ted Whitten, Whitten Oval has been an iconic landmark in Footscray and home of the Bulldogs since 1883, with this redevelopment cementing its status as a premier venue while assisting the Bulldogs with their community programs that supports people across the western suburbs and beyond.

Stage One of the redevelopment was delivered in 2018, to support the club’s participation in the AFLW competition with the Western Bulldogs being one of the foundation clubs.

For more information on other Sport and Recreation Victoria major projects visit: Success stories.