It is no surprise that Mr. Football, EJ 'Ted' Whitten, has been named the Western Bulldogs' greatest ever player, narrowly pipping current star Marcus Bontempelli.
In commemoration of the club's 100 years in the competition, an expert panel rounded out a top 25 (in no particular order), but did reveal the top five.
The selection panel was made up of media legend Mike Sheahan, former coach Rodney Eade, Club historian Darren Arthur, President of the Club's Past Players & Officials Association Ross Abbey, CEO Ameet Bains and Club Director Lisa Fitzpatrick.
"To have Dad receive this accolade in front of so many wonderful past and current players is an amazing feeling," Whitten said.
"I'm tipping he'd be pretty stoked with this accolade. To be here at this ground which is named in his honour, I think he'd be pretty proud himself, and I know all his family are.
"He's been a wonderful ambassador for the western suburbs and the football club. If anyone had a crack at him about the Bulldogs, look out. He would protect them with his life. If you had of cut his hand, he would have bled red, white and blue."
Whitten was a premiership player (1954) for the Bulldogs, a five-time Charles Sutton Medallist, an All-Australian member (1954), captain (1957-1970) and coached.
He was also named in the AFL Team of the Century as the skipper.
Whitten and Bontempelli were joined on the podium by Chris Grant, who was followed by Gary Dempsey and Doug Hawkins.
"I sit here and listen to the stories of the gentlemen who've come before us who have set the fabric of what it means to play for this football club," Bontempelli said.
"We hug and embrace, it does feel like family. The thing that shines through for me about being a part of this football club is it feels like all these blokes are like my uncles.
"Because they've been here, they've worn the jumper, they've set the standard for so many of us who are currently playing and get the privilege of wearing the jumper now and especially what it stands for.
"The thing I've loved about playing my football for the Western Bulldogs Football Club is its never-say-die attitude, you're never out of it, and your actions speak louder than your words.
"I'm still in shock to be up here and a part of tonight, let alone in the position that I am so it's going to take some time for that to sink in, but it's a true honour and a privilege to be sitting here."
Bontempelli is nearing the same status as Whitten, claiming a premiership, captaincy (2020-now), three-time MVP award, six-time All-Australian, six-time Charles Sutton Medal and the 2019 AFLCA best player award.
Grant played 341 games for the Bulldogs. He was a two-time Charles Sutton medallist, three-time All-Australian, captain, and was one of three players denied the Brownlow due to suspension, despite being awarded the most votes in 1997.
Dempsey played 207 games for Footscray, winning the 1975 Brownlow and six Charles Sutton medals during his time as a ruckman.
Hawkins, who rounds out the top five, played 329 games for the Bulldogs, winning the 1985 best and fairest, and captained the side for four years in the 1990s.
25 Greatest Bulldogs
1925-45: Norm Ware, Harry Hickey, Arthur Olliver, Charlie Sutton, Allan Hopkins, Alby Morrison
1946-65: John Schultz, EJ Whitten, Wally Donald, Jack Collins
1966-85: Gary Dempsey, Doug Hawkins, Kelvin Templeton, Simon Beasley
1986-1999: Scott Wynd, Chris Grant, Scott West, Brad Johnson, Tony Liberatore
2000-2025: Bob Murphy, Matthew Boyd, Dale Morris, Tom Liberatore, Marcus Bontempelli, Ellie Blackburn
