Nearly 35 years after a grassroots campaign in the streets of Footscray successfully halted a proposed merger with Fitzroy, the Western Bulldogs have ceremoniously reopened the Mission Whitten Oval. This follows the completion of a modern $78 million redevelopment project, marking a significant milestone for the club and its community.
Construction on the training and administration base began in March 2022, following years of behind-the-scenes negotiations. The completion and handover of this facility mark a landmark moment for the Western Bulldogs. The club, which once faced financial struggles and the prospect of merging with Fitzroy in 1989, has now emerged with a modern facility, signaling a transformation from its debt-ridden past.
Over the past two years, the iconic E.J. Whitten Stand has undergone a significant transformation. It now serves as the home for the club’s administration staff, houses a club museum, features an 82-seat theatrette equipped with a 10 square-metre video board, includes a matchday pavilion with 920 undercover seats painted in the team’s colors of red, white, and blue, and hosts a newly established merchandise shop. This revitalization represents a substantial upgrade to the facilities at the Mission Whitten Oval for the Western Bulldogs.
The football department has been established at the Barkly Street end of the new facility for the majority of the season. Here, an 1800 square-metre indoor training field has been constructed alongside what is reportedly the largest gym in the AFL. Additionally, the facility includes a heat chamber, a 15-person sauna, and cold and hot pools. These amenities provide the Western Bulldogs with state-of-the-art resources aimed at enhancing training, recovery, and player conditioning at the Mission Whitten Oval.
Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains highlighted that the redevelopment project began shortly after the club broke its 62-year premiership drought in 2016. He emphasized that the project was made possible through substantial contributions from various stakeholders, with particular recognition given to former president Peter Gordon. Gordon played a pivotal role in saving the club from the proposed merger in the late 1980s and returned in 2012 to safeguard its long-term viability. His efforts included securing $36 million in funding from the Victorian Government for the redevelopment of the Mission Whitten Oval. This redevelopment stands as a testament to the club’s resilience and commitment to its future.
“A project like this doesn’t come together overnight. There’s a tremendous amount of groundwork involved, from securing funding to developing ideas and designs. It’s been an eight-year journey to bring this project to fruition,” stated Ameet Bains to AFL.com.au. He emphasized the significant contributions of former president Peter Gordon, who played a crucial role in advocating for government support years ago.
Bains expressed that the renovation of Whitten Oval will impress former players and staff who revisit the facility, showcasing its state-of-the-art amenities comparable to those found in any AFL club. This transformation has already evoked a sense of pride among visitors, including father-son prospects who attended a recent event at the club during school holidays.
“I think for everyone who has been closely connected with the club over time, there’s a mix of pride and disbelief,” remarked Bains.
“Our president, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, used to come to Whitten Oval as a girl when it didn’t look like it does now. Her involvement in the project over the last few years has been essential,” Bains acknowledged.
“We had a lot of past players come into the club, and it was a bit of a shock for them last week during a father-son day,” Bains explained.
Kylie Watson-Wheeler and Ameet Bains at the Bulldogs’ 2024 photo.
During Luke Beveridge’s tenure at the Kennel spanning 10 years, the Bulldogs have consistently utilized the trade and free agency periods to enhance their list. Over this period, they have successfully signed players such as Adam Treloar, Liam Jones, Josh Bruce, Taylor Duryea, Alex Keath, and Rory Lobb. Additionally, they added James Harmes and Nick Coffield to their roster in October of last year. This strategic approach has played a significant role in strengthening the Bulldogs’ squad year after year.
The revamped Mission Whitten Oval will position the Western Bulldogs among the top clubs in terms of facilities, competing with Sydney, Carlton, West Coast, Essendon, and Collingwood. This enhancement makes the Bulldogs an appealing option for players considering a move to a new club.
Luke Beveridge believes that while the club’s culture and the quality of individuals within the organization contribute to becoming a ‘destination club’, the new facility will play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent in the future. The premiership coach humorously suggests that the upgraded facility will also appeal to potential recruits who may visit for unofficial tours under the cover of darkness.
