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Bulldogs Through and Through: The History of the Western Bulldogs
Bulldogs Through & Through traces the storied history of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, from its beginnings as Footscray in the 1880s, through its admission to the VFL in 1925 leading to a century of elite footy that featured precious triumphs, some heartbreaking defeats and countless outstanding individual performances.
There were times when the club was on the edge of extinction, only to rebound to become one of the AFL’s most professional and successful modern teams, and a proud pioneer in the development of the AFLW. The book profiles many of the great players who have represented the Bulldogs including members of the Australian Football Hall of Fame, Brownlow Medallists, Coleman Medallists and modern-day champions, along with administrators who have served the club diligently and made it what it is today.
Bulldogs Through & Through, written by club historian Darren Arthur, and lifetime fan Andrew Gigacz, has been published to celebrate the club’s 100th year as a VFL/AFL club. The book is fully illustrated and includes many archival images from the club’s earliest years alongside extensive coverage of the famous premiership wins of 2016 (AFL) and 2018 (AFLW).
In her foreword to the book, Western Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler wrote: “There are names and deeds captured and commemorated in this book that echo across generations, as well as historic turning points that have brought us to this moment in time and deserve to be immortalised.”
There were times when the club was on the edge of extinction, only to rebound to become one of the AFL’s most professional and successful modern teams, and a proud pioneer in the development of the AFLW. The book profiles many of the great players who have represented the Bulldogs including members of the Australian Football Hall of Fame, Brownlow Medallists, Coleman Medallists and modern-day champions, along with administrators who have served the club diligently and made it what it is today.
Bulldogs Through & Through, written by club historian Darren Arthur, and lifetime fan Andrew Gigacz, has been published to celebrate the club’s 100th year as a VFL/AFL club. The book is fully illustrated and includes many archival images from the club’s earliest years alongside extensive coverage of the famous premiership wins of 2016 (AFL) and 2018 (AFLW).
In her foreword to the book, Western Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler wrote: “There are names and deeds captured and commemorated in this book that echo across generations, as well as historic turning points that have brought us to this moment in time and deserve to be immortalised.”
256 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2025
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July 10, 2025
I was three years old when I started barracking for the Bulldogs – earlier that week, a literal bulldog followed me home. Supporting the team became part of my identity. One day, age seven, I stepped into my local bookshop and spotted a large hardcover on the shelves – Unleashed: A History of the Footscray Football Club. It was like suddenly discovering treasure – the first time my love for books had crossed into my love for the Bulldogs. I diligently saved up – birthday, Christmas, pocket money – until I made that book mine.
When I learned Bulldogs Through and Through was being released to commemorate our centenary year, I was struck with the same excitement and anticipation I felt all those years ago. I had to read it!
Darren Arthur and Andrew Gigacz leave no stone unturned in tracing the Club’s history – from humble 1800s origins, through to joining the VFL in 1925, Premiership glory and the inclusion of AFLW. It’s engaging and expertly researched, with meticulous attention to detail.
A touching foreword by current President, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, sets the tone for what’s to come.
“There are great names and deeds commemorated in this book that have echoed across generations, as well as historic turning points that have brought us to where we are today.”
An excellent selection of pictures and newspaper articles are featured throughout – putting faces to names and transporting me back in time. It felt like being reunited with old friends. It’s beautifully designed by Craig Poore - with an easy-to-follow layout, making it perfect for reading cover-to-cover or dipping in and out from.
I loved the inclusion of unsung heroes behind-the-scenes – alongside those who took the field. There are plenty of stats, player profiles and fun facts – who knew that having players forget their boots for the Grand Final would prove a good omen? It was fascinating to read how different things used to be – from goal posts being lugged from nearby houses before each game, to the Dogs losing one match due to players catching the wrong train!
It's difficult choosing a favourite section in a book that often made me smile – but the 2016 Premiership was a standout, as well as the resilience shown in the 1989 fightback. It has certainly helped give me a more well-rounded understanding of the club, and characters who have contributed so much.
“In dark times, when the existence of our club was threatened, we demonstrated our strength as a club and have not just survived but thrived.”
The more you read, the more you realise how much the Bulldog story is one of overcoming adversity at every turn. It’s a book that wonderfully captures the Bulldog spirit and what it means to support the club.
Bulldogs Through and Through is an important record of club history and fantastic way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of joining the VFL/AFL. Essential reading for footy fans, it would make the perfect gift for the Bulldogs supporter among friends and family.
Many thanks to Slattery Media for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I learned Bulldogs Through and Through was being released to commemorate our centenary year, I was struck with the same excitement and anticipation I felt all those years ago. I had to read it!
Darren Arthur and Andrew Gigacz leave no stone unturned in tracing the Club’s history – from humble 1800s origins, through to joining the VFL in 1925, Premiership glory and the inclusion of AFLW. It’s engaging and expertly researched, with meticulous attention to detail.
A touching foreword by current President, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, sets the tone for what’s to come.
“There are great names and deeds commemorated in this book that have echoed across generations, as well as historic turning points that have brought us to where we are today.”
An excellent selection of pictures and newspaper articles are featured throughout – putting faces to names and transporting me back in time. It felt like being reunited with old friends. It’s beautifully designed by Craig Poore - with an easy-to-follow layout, making it perfect for reading cover-to-cover or dipping in and out from.
I loved the inclusion of unsung heroes behind-the-scenes – alongside those who took the field. There are plenty of stats, player profiles and fun facts – who knew that having players forget their boots for the Grand Final would prove a good omen? It was fascinating to read how different things used to be – from goal posts being lugged from nearby houses before each game, to the Dogs losing one match due to players catching the wrong train!
It's difficult choosing a favourite section in a book that often made me smile – but the 2016 Premiership was a standout, as well as the resilience shown in the 1989 fightback. It has certainly helped give me a more well-rounded understanding of the club, and characters who have contributed so much.
“In dark times, when the existence of our club was threatened, we demonstrated our strength as a club and have not just survived but thrived.”
The more you read, the more you realise how much the Bulldog story is one of overcoming adversity at every turn. It’s a book that wonderfully captures the Bulldog spirit and what it means to support the club.
Bulldogs Through and Through is an important record of club history and fantastic way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of joining the VFL/AFL. Essential reading for footy fans, it would make the perfect gift for the Bulldogs supporter among friends and family.
Many thanks to Slattery Media for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 of 1 review