The late, great EJ ‘Ted’ Whitten has been named the greatest player to play for Footscray and the Western Bulldogs across 100 years in VFL-AFL.
The club held a special Centenary Gala at Mission Whitten Oval on Monday night as part of the club’s celebrations to mark a century since joining the VFL-AFL.
It acknowledged the 25 greatest Bulldogs of the past 100 years after the historic selection was made by an expert panel.
While the list of 25 was presented without rank, a top five was selected in order and revealed on the night.
Whitten was declared the greatest Bulldog ahead of current captain Marcus Bontempelli.
Chris Grant, Gary Dempsey and Doug Hawkins rounded out the top five.
Ted Whitten Jr, accepting the honour on behalf of his late father, said it was hard to describe what it meant to his family.
“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 cut his hand he would have bled red, white and blue.”
Speaking on stage at the event, Bontempelli said he was lost for words at his ranking. He is one of three current Bulldogs along with Tom Liberatore and Ellie Blackburn to be named in the top 25.
“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.”
The Greatest Bulldogs have been defined by the club as those who have represented the red, white and blue with irrefutable distinction on the field and made the most considerable positive impact on the club’s history.
