WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Jackson Macrae has been rewarded for his efforts against the Gold Coast Suns last weekend with the Round 8 Rising Star nomination. The 18 year old Macrae had 26 possessions and four tackles in the club’s losing perfromance against the Suns. “Jackson is a young person who understands he has talent, and has

THE Western Bulldogs, who have won just the one match for the season and that was in round one, are in desperate need of replenishing entering their nine clash against St Kilda on Saturday. After the disappointing loss to the Gold Coast Suns, the Bulldogs could look to Nathan Hrovat for a recall after he

THE Western Bulldogs got stuck between a rock and hard place last week when Ayce Cordy became a late scratching for last Sunday’s game against Richmond. With no key position players listed in the club’s emergencies, the Doggies called up Tom Campbell to replace Cordy even though he was not on the announced team. The

THE Western Bulldogs will have a fairytale story this weekend with the AFL debut of mature age rookie Brett Goodes. It’s quite amazing listening to football commentators and writers who wow with amazement that the younger brother of Sydney champion Adam has not made it onto an AFL list until now. They did the same

Guest contributor RowdyOne continues his series looking at each club’s best 22 players for the upcoming 2013 season.   Key Personnel Questions for the Bulldogs: Can Adam Cooney get back to somewhere near his Brownlow winning form? Brian Lake is gone and now more than ever will Tom Williams be able to play a whole season and

ONE of the stories coming out of the Western Bulldogs over the summer was the return to relevance of Adam Cooney with club great Brad Johnson recently saying that the midfielder was back to his 2008 Brownlow Medal form. While that may still be the case, we are going to have to wait a least one extra

FREMANTLE ended their NAB Cup campaign in convincing style with a 109 point thumping of the Western Bulldogs in Mandurah yesterday.

And after a disappointing and listless performance a week ago against Carlton, the Dockers this time fielded a near full strength side with Aaron Sandilands the only key player missing from the side

The Bulldogs are a young developing team with only a few experienced players left. They will be hoping to string a few wins together for the season but it is hard to see them contend for finals with the current crop

WITHOUT doubt the highlight of the night in the Western Bulldogs one point win over Hawthorn was the magic third quarter moment of 18 year old Jake Stringer scoring a goal with his first kick in the AFL. That highlight was quickly followed with a moment of dread when Stringer rolled his ankle in the

BULLDOGS coach Brendan McCartney said it best in his post-game presser when he said that “It’s very, very early to say too much off the back of one NAB Cup game”. Especially for a team that is working hard to lift themselves off the bottom rungs of the ladder playing against two of the stronger

ASADA was spotted at Essendon training this morning as the authority continues its overall investigation into the Bombers’ performance enhancing drug scandal. The authority says it was a routine check and was also spotted at the Western Bulldogs training base at Whitten Oval earlier in the morning. Every player was tested during the targeted checks.

THERE are a lot of expectations from Bulldog fans on young draftee Jake Stringer, who is touted to make an early season AFL debut. But coach Brendan McCartney believes the first year draftees should not have large expectations placed upon them too early. “We’re conscious of not exposing them too much to the harsh side

BRIAN Lake’s thoughts of becoming a Hawk appeared to be in his mind while watching the grand final loss to Sydney, although there was a lot of water under the bridge in negotiations that came afterwards. The former Western Bulldogs defender said he is hoping to prove his critics wrong and perhaps even his former

BRENT Prismall cut a dejected figure after yesterday’s AFL pre-season and rookie draft. He had been offered a one year deal at Port Adelaide but knocked back the offer simply because it was only for one year and that wouldn’t be enough security for him and his new wife to start a new life in

BENDIGO’S Ben Duscher has been informed that he is no longer in line for a spot on the Western Bulldogs’ list after training with them over the past month

FORMER Geelong captain and NFL punter Ben Graham has joined the Western Bulldogs as the club’s Strategic Football Operations Manager. Graham, 39, left Geelong after the 2004 season having played 219 games for the club that had drafted him back in 1992. He joined the New York Jets in the NFL and went on to enjoy

DELISTED Fremantle midfielder/defender Nick Lower could be off to his third AFL club if he impresses the Western Bulldogs enough while training with them this week. Lower, who was originally drafted to Port Adelaide, played 22 matches with Fremantle over the past two seasons. He plays mainly on a half back flank but can play

PERHAPS unlucky to be delisted by Melbourne, utility Matthew Bate has shown enough at VFL level over the past two seasons to give himself every opportunity of a second chance. Bate has been a vital cog up forward for the Casey Scorpions in the VFL, where he worked in tandem with Brendan Fevola last year

THERE is talk that the brother of Sydney superstar Adam Goodes is destined to be on the Western Bulldogs list next season. Brett Goodes, who played at the Bulldogs affiliate Williamstown last season, could be the mature age recruit that bolsters the Bulldogs midfield and defensive unit. The 29-year-old has formerly played at North Ballarat

WE take a club by club look at this year’s draft and, where we have them, we link to our prospect profiles for more details and video of individual players

FOOTBALL NATION brings you the full list of retirements and delistings – club by club – and as they come to hand for

                ROUND   DATE OPPONENT VENUE   TIME 1 Saturday, March 30 Brisbane Lions Etihad Stadium Home 1.40pm 2 Saturday, April 6 Fremantle Etihad Stadium Home 2.10pm 3 Sunday, April 14 Richmond Etihad Stadium Away 1.10pm 4 Sunday, April 21 Adelaide Crows AAMI Stadium Away 2.45pm 5 Saturday,

JUSTIN Sherman’s manager revealed on the final day of the trade period yesterday that Sherman and the Western Bulldogs had decided to part ways after just two seasons at the club. Sherman, who wanted a trade to the Bulldogs after six seasons at the Brisbane Lions, fell out favour at the kennel this season spending

THE Western Bulldogs have today added another young player to their squad ahead of the November 22 AFL Draft, sending pick 71 to Collingwood in exchange for defender/utility Tom Young

UPDATE 24/10/12 @ 1:16pm – The Western Bulldogs have concluded a deal with the West Coast Eagles sending them the 44th pick in the draft in exchange for Koby Stevens. In a statement posted to their website the Bulldogs List Manager, Jason McCartney, said that the 21 year old midfielder was a welcome addition to the

WEST Coast on-baller Koby Stevens has requested a trade to the Western Bulldogs today after there was legitimate interest coming from Essendon and St Kilda. The 23rd selection in the 2009 AFL draft could be swapped for a second or third round selection after managing just 11 games in three seasons at the Eagles. The hard-nut

SEE the full list of all the club best and fairest winners for 2012 here as Sam Mitchell collects his fourth medal at the Hawks

HAWTHORN has begun its chase for a top-line defender after enquiring about a trade for Western Bulldogs star Brian Lake. Lake, who is currently contracted by the Bulldogs, may be enticed by what the Hawks have to offer considering they are in prime shape to contest for a flag. The Hawks are keen to attract

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Nathan Djerrkura has decided to retire and head home to the Northern Territory despite having one year left on his contract, The Age reports today. Although he has struggled to break into the senior team, the former Cat had his most efficient season with 13 matches to his name but he wanted

AFTER the completion of the 2012 AFL season the league will be revolutionised by the introduction of free agency. For eligible players this will give them the ability to leave their current club, bypassing the draft and trade periods, and essentially pick their next employer themselves. For the AFL, this will be an unprecedented change. In the lead

UPDATE: TOM Liberatore, the son of Bulldogs Brownlow Medallist Tony, has been suspended from the Western Bulldogs for the rest of the season after being investigated over drug allegations. He was found unconscious in a Melbourne street after the clubs’ loss to North Melbourne yesterday morning. He has also been handed a $5000 fine and ordered to undergo counselling.

THE Western Bulldogs’ demoralising 84-point loss to Essendon last night has not pushed the panic buttons just yet but the signs appear gloomy at Whitten Oval. The Dogs barely gave a yelp last night and that happened right from the first bounce as the Dons walloped them in the centre clearances to get out to

PORT Adelaide has bitten back at Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson, who today apologised for slur about Power midfielder Danyle Pearce’s mother. While Pearce today accepted Minson’s apology, he believes Minson’s “actions from here will mean far more than words.” Port skipper Dominic Cassisi was on the hop today saying that Minson has over stepped

WESTERN Bulldogs forwards Liam Jones and Andrew Hooper – along with midfielder Christian Howard – pushed for senior selection after impressive performances in Williamstown’s one-goal loss to the Box Hill Hawks on Saturday. Jones finished with 18 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and two goals in an encouraging display. “I thought Jones was pretty good.

WESTERN Bulldogs veteran Lindsay Gilbee’s career is at the crossroads after being ruled out for a month with a knee injury sustained in the VFL on the weekend. Gilbee limped off early in the final term and never returned to the field. Bulldogs medical services manager Andrew McKenzie said the setback is disappointing for the

WESTERN Bulldogs defender Tom Williams will miss up to 16 weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery. Williams, 25, was injured during the opening minutes of the first quarter of the Bulldogs’ NAB Cup match against Carlton on Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.  The injury happened when Williams landed awkwardly while diving for a mark. Initial tests

Back on Feburary 1 we wrote that “the key to the Western Bulldogs getting their on-field mojo back is defender Brian Lake”. If we’re right then it’s good news for the Bulldogs as Blake looks set to make a return to action for the club this Sunday against the Blues

WESTERN Bulldogs defender Brian Lake’s season has been confirmed over by the club but it is still yet to be determined whether he will remain at the club next season. Carlton, Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney are understood to be keen on Lake despite currently contracted at the Bulldogs for next season. Although, all three

THE Western Bulldogs are emerging from a grave that had them virtually buried this season after disposing of top four hopeful Carlton by 27-points at Etihad Stadium yesterday. Most of the general media had coach Rodney Eade sacked, some of the players virtually delisted and talk of a potential coup to take over the presidency

MELBOURNE forward Matthew Bate is one that will be chased after from opposition clubs after dominating at VFL level but struggling to get games in the AFL. Demons development coach Brad Gotch admitted Bate is down in the pecking order at the Dees this season. Bate could easily be trade bait at the end of

WESTERN Bulldogs gun midfielder Callan Ward faces the prospect of reportedly having $2m thrown at him by new AFL license, Greater Western Sydney this season. His manager Paul Connors believes the substantial figures being thrown at the young gun from the west of Melbourne are huge. But he isn’t the only one. Collingwood’s Dale Thomas

THE Western Bulldogs are now officially in turmoil after losing their sixth game of the season against Hawthorn by 29-points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Bulldogs – who gambled with late additions Brian Lake and Barry Hall – threw everything at the Hawks but it appears the team that has ran to three preliminary

WESTERN Bulldogs recruit Patrick Veszpremi says he will be pushing hard for senior selection in the second half of the season after returning in the VFL from a broken finger injury. By his own admission, his return game from injury for Williamstown on the weekend “wasn’t the best of games” but believed with further match

WESTERN Bulldogs young gun Mitch Wallis is likely to make his AFL debut against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium on Monday. Wallis appears an almost certain addition to replace injured midfielder Daniel Giansiracusa who is in doubt for the clash after pulling up sore at training last night. Bulldogs development coach Peter German was impressed by

WESTERN Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson was clearly the best on ground in yesterday’s win for Williamstown in the VFL. He had 29 disposals and 29 hit-outs and turned the match in the third term with two inspiring goals during the Seagulls’ eight-goal term. Box Hill had led by 20-points at the main break. Lindsay Gilbee

WESTERN Bulldogs rookie Mitch Hahn has impressed the Bulldogs faithful to suggest that he is the perfect back-up plan if things go wrong.. The 29-year-old, who had played 181 games at the Dogs, appears to have a point to prove after being dumped at the end of last season before being handed a rookie lifeline.

WESTERN Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia predicted there would be plenty of changes to the squad for this week’s clash against the Brisbane Lions. “I think there was a pretty strong look in the mirror today and if I don’t think this week could come around quick enough for some of the boys,” Fantasia said.

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney is expected to return for some extra touch in this week’s NAB Challenge match against North Melbourne at Eureka Stadium. Cooney had his first hit-out in a VFL practice match last Friday night after being carefully managed during from pre-season knee surgery “It was what we wanted. He got some

JUST months after losing key playmaker Jarrod Harbrow to the Gold Coast, the Western Bulldogs are already trying to ensure that it doesn’t lose another young gun. This time it’s former Western Jet, Callan Ward, who grew up just a drop punt from the Whitten Oval in Yarraville. Ward is being tempted to Greater Western Sydney

WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says he will wait until a decision is made on his manager Ricky Nixon’s future before looking for a new manager. Eade is contracted by Nixon’s management company Flying Start. Nixon is in Ireland but a decision on his accreditation as a player manager is still up in the air with the AFLPA handballing

THE Western Bulldogs showed some impressive signs in their 70-point thrashing of the Brisbane Lions at Visy Park in a NAB Challenge match. Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said he was delighted the work maturity of young guns Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore, who continue to push for a round one debut. “Overall we noticed some

WESTERN Bulldogs father-son selections Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore will both play in the NAB Cup this weekend and are likely to assume senior positions early on in the main season. Both youngsters have impressed over pre-season practice matches with Wallis inparticular continuing on from his fine season at the Calder Cannons as a ball-magnet.

WESTERN Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson will face an even greater challenge this season with the introduction of the sub and downgrade to three on the interchange. Many AFL coaches believe it may be the end of the second ruckman; a place that Minson was struggling to get to this season as he beckoned for opportunities

THE Western Bulldogs will be without two of their veterans for the opening rounds of the NAB Cup. Barry Hall and Ben Hudson, who are both in their 30s and the oldest Bulldogs on the list, will be eased into the season with the aim of playing round one of the season proper. The Bulldogs

THE Western Bulldogs used their compensation pick from the Gold Coast - from key on baller Jarrod Harbow – for Brisbane Lions hard nut Justin Herman in yesterday’s trade period. The Bulldogs see Sherman as an ideal replacement given his speed and tenacity in the midfield this year under Michael Voss at the Lions. It will

THE Western Bulldogs were licking their lips yesterday at the prospect of father-son selections Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore starring in the Cannons’ 58-point win over the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup grand final at Etihad Stadium. Wallis, the son of former Bulldog Steve, and Liberatore, the son of former Bulldogs Brownlow Medallist Tony,

THE Western Bulldogs’ season looked dead and buried after half time during its semi final clash against Sydney at the MCG on Saturday. Yet they prevailed through sheer desperation and determination to keep their season alive and make it through to another preliminary final against St Kilda this Saturday night. The Bulldogs won by five points to

2nd Semi Final – Western Bulldogs v Sydney at the MCG, Saturday night THE Western Bulldogs have everything to lose in this match if they were to go out in straight sets. What would they have gained from the year if they were to lose it. Plenty is on the line. They had recruited for

JASON Akermanis said last week that he could’ve quit the game six weeks ago but instead chose to play on to be part of a final fling with the Bulldogs in September. That now is all but gone after Wednesday’s shock sacking because of trust issues from the club. Akermanis said last Saturday after playing

WESTERN Bulldogs veteran Jason Akermanis says he wants to play in next week’s match against Port Adelaide in Darwin after returning to form with five goals and 21 disposals for Williamstown yesterday. The 33-year-old excelled with little checking from his Geelong opponent Matt Firman conversely to last week when accused Sandringham’s Alistair Smith of being a

JASON Akermanis yesterday described his performance in the VFL as “rusty after five weeks off” as he serves a two week club ban because of misleading the club about a newspaper column. He was heavily tagged for Williamstown at Trevor Barker Beach Oval by Sandringham’s Alistair Smith. But speaking on Melbourne Talk Radio station MTR

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Jason Akermanis is likely to make his return to football for Williamstown in the VFL in a fortnight’s time after being left out of the VFL squad last night. The banished midfielder – who faced a club ban after writing a controversial story on homosexual footballers and lying about his contribution to

WESTERN BULLDOGS captain Brad Johnson got through unscathed in his return match from a troublesome Achilles yesterday for Williamstown and appears likely to return next week against West Coast. Johnson had 20 disposals and was named in the best for the Seagulls with coach Peter German saying that he showed no signs of struggling through

WESTERN Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson is eyeing off the opportunity at making a speedy comeback after being named on an extended interchange bench for Williamstown in its clash against North Ballarat on Saturday. Williamstown general manager Brendan Curry said that a decision was likely to be made early Saturday morning to determine whether Johnson will

The Western Bulldogs are up there with Richmond as being one of the most annoying and frustrating teams to support. The clubs faithful have been installed with a fresh hope for the first time in almost a decade with a list that is actually capable of not just making the finals, but winning the premiership.

Controversy and Jason Akermanis seem to have one of the best relationships going around. The two can’t stay away from each other, and it seems no matter how hard they try to separate, the keep reuniting with even bigger flames and sparks each time. The latest saga comes after his controversial gay comments about AFL

WILL Minson could be another Bulldog under pressure this week after young ruckman Jordan Roughead soared to a best on ground performance for Williamstown yesterday. “We played him forward at times and in the ruck, his work rate in general play was really good. I think that Roughy has continued his development really well,” Bulldogs development coach Peter German

WESTERN Bulldogs forward Barry Hall believes the team needs an element of luck in the second half of the season if it was to snare an elusive flag. The former Sydney premiership player lamented the teams’ growing injury list and out of form players despite its morale boosting NAB Cup premiership. “ I think we

IT’S amazing what a trade can do over the pre-season. Barry Hall crossed to the Western Bulldogs from the Sydney Swans and was the match-winner against his former team at Manaka Oval on Saturday with five goals. Coach Rodney Eade said in his press conference that believed Hall’s five was worth about eight goals. If

THE Western Bulldogs stole the points against Melbourne after trailing by nine points in the final term to win by four points against the fast finishing Demons on Friday night at the MCG. Late goals to Brian Lake and Ryan Griffin helped the Bulldogs win, 10.10 (70) to 9.12 (66). Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade was

ST KILDA came from behind to win an ugly game of Friday night footy by three points against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. The Saints were brilliant in the final six minutes of the quarter where they kicked the final three goals to snatch a match which was ultra defensive, 7.7 (49) to 6.10

We analyse the clash quarter by quarter between Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs

DESPITE his gambling problems, Brendan Fevola helped the Brisbane Lions over the line against the Western Bulldogs by 22-points at the Gabba on Saturday night. Fevola inspired the Lions in the third term eventually finishing with four majors in the 13.23 (101) to 12.7 (79) win. “To be able to come out and show that

BRISBANE Lions midfielder Simon Black is under an injury cloud heading into Saturday night’s much-anticipated clash against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba. He’s about to see the physio, but he’s 50-50 on Friday so I would have thought it’s very doubtful [that he'll play],” Voss said at training on Friday morning. “It’s his calf.

THE Western Bulldogs were too classy for Hawthorn when it mattered most on Sunday at Etihad Stadium with a 16-point win. Of course the win was made more cohesive for the Bulldogs with Barry Hall booting six goals in the 14.16 (100) to 12.12 (84) win. Coach Rodney Eade admitted the Bulldogs still have a

THE Western Bulldogs have bounced back from its round one disappointment with a 72-point thrashing of Richmond at the MCG on Sunday evening.

Western Bulldogs fan Jarred Magnabosco tells us why he thinks his team can go all the way in

COLLINGWOOD belted the Western Bulldogs by 36-points at Etihad Stadium today. It spoilt Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson’s 350th match with an impressive 19.15 (129) to 13.15 (93) victory. “We had 20 inside-50s for two goals, a couple of set shots, but it’s all ‘ifs-buts-maybes’, isn’t it?” he said after the game. “The momentum was going

WESTERN Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson will play his 350th match after being named against Collingwood on Sunday. Callan Ward, who strained his groin in the NAB Cup win, was left out as an emergency; as was Brodie Moles. Fremantle has three debutants – Anthony Morabito, Michael Barlow and Alex Silvagni – for Sunday’s clash with

NAB CUP premiers the Western Bulldogs were in good spirits as expected at last night’s season launch. Coach Rodney Eade has spruiked that the clubs’ young players have been the reason why the club is in such a good position for a flag this year. “We haven’t had anyone that’s a list clogger,” Eade said

We take a look at the NAB Cup premiers and preview the season ahead for the Western Bulldogs. Can Barry Hall really create a fairytale ending for the league’s most success-starved team

THE Western Bulldogs take out the NAB Cup and their first silverware for 40 years

THE Western Bulldogs will field its strongest 22 in next week’s NAB Cup grand final against St Kilda after a last gasp win over Port Adelaide by 3 points on Friday night. Barry Hall took a grab in the forward line in the final two minutes and then ambitiously handballed it to defender Brian Lake

THE Western Bulldogs will field its strongest 22 in next week’s NAB Cup grand final against St Kilda after a last gasp win over Port Adelaide by 3 points on Friday night. Barry Hall took a grab in the forward line in the final two minutes and then ambitiously handballed it to defender Brian Lake

VETERAN Bulldog Jason Akermanis says time is not on his teams’ side leading into the 2010 season. The Bulldogs want a flag and want it now. “It’s a chance, you know as an athlete the window’s up, it’s here now,” Akermanis said. “It is for a few teams. St Kilda will be saying the same

WESTERN Bulldogs recruit Barry Hall says he wasn’t expecting opposition teams to niggle him into another episode of self destruction on the footy field, despite his past record. The big, bad bustling forward – who is seen as the key to the premiership-starved’ Bulldogs hopes – faces instant dismissal from the club should he lose

WESTERN Bulldogs forward Josh Hill is confident of returning for Friday night’s preliminary final against St Kilda despite a lack-lustre showing for Williamstown on the weekend.

While defender Tom Williams got through unscathed and could be a surprise recall to add some height to the Bulldogs defence against the power of Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke

IT may have been the football logic of his father Bruce that helped Western Bulldog icon Brad Johnson’s rise to pass the club’s game record of 341 AFL matches this week against Fremantle

THE twilight of Western Bulldogs’ forward Scott Welsh’s career was dulled over the pre-season after a back injury threatened him to contemplate retirement

Speculation is mounting that the Western Bulldogs will offer out of contract coach Rodney ‘Rocket’ Eade a two-year extension in the coming weeks

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has chimed into the recent AFL media debate about the prevalence of gambling in the game, saying it is more of a problem than alcohol

The Western Bulldogs have denied gun small forward Shaun Higgins is carrying an injury that will require ongoing management, saying it will only take a couple of weeks to fully clear. Reports came out that Higgins had torn his adductor muscle during the close loss to Geelong at the weekend, but the club has since

Rodney Eade must feel like 2009 is the year to pull out all the stops and go for broke in chasing down a historic premiership. Tough, fast, relentless football was the Bulldogs trademark in 2008, and it took them all the way to a Preliminary Final against Geelong. The lack of a power forward has