The 100 Greatest Footscray/Western Bulldogs Players of All Time: 60-41

It starts to get interesting now.

Today, we move into the top half of my 100 greatest players to play for the Bulldogs. It's now starting to reach the point where just being a decent footballer is not enough; there has to be something extra on the resume that allows one to stand out. There are some very good players in today's batch, but don't forget, the best is still to come...

60. Caleb Daniel

Games: 192 (2015-24)

Goals: 49

Achievements: 2016 Premiership Player, x1 Best and Fairest (2020), x1 All-Australian (2020)

Standing at just 171cm, many had written off Caleb Daniel as a footballer before he had even arrived at the Western Bulldogs, with many critics suggesting his lack of height would make it impossible for him to succeed at AFL level. But once Daniel let his football do the talking, fans were treated to a decade of talented football, with Daniel impressing both with his ability to swiftly break away from contest, before hitting targets with precise foot skills. He played in the Bulldogs Premiership team in 2016, but his best personal campaign arrived in 2020, where he won both the club’s best and fairest award and his maiden All-Australian blazer. He was also one of the Bulldogs best players in the 2021 Grand Final, where he collected 37 disposals. He moved to North Melbourne at the end of last year.

59. Nathan Brown

Games: 137 (1997-2003)

Goals: 206

Achievements: x2 All Australian (2001, 2002), x2 Leading Goalkicker (2002-03), x3 International Rules Representative (2000, 2002-03)

One of the challenges of putting together a list like this is ranking players based on what they did while playing at the Bulldogs, without allowing the circumstances in which they left to influence their final standing. Leaving the bottom-placed Bulldogs at the end of 2003 to chase a lucrative offer put forward by Richmond, many Bulldogs fans were understandably upset by Nathan Brown’s departure, partly because they were aware of the quality player they were losing. Brown was just hitting his peak as a football when he left the Bulldogs, despite already being a dual-All Australian and having registered over 100 scores in a side that finished last in 2003, and was well on his way to establishing himself as an all-time great of the club.

58. Steven Kolyniuk

Games: 177 (1988-2000)

Goals: 198

Achievements: State Representative (Vic)

The 177 games that Steven Kolyniuk managed across 13 seasons of football is a testament to his resilience and hard work to continue to fight for his career, as the final tally would have been a lot more were it not for the fitness issues he faced throughout most of his career. At his best, he was a tough, crafty footballer, who was a constant threat around goals. His best season came in 1998, where he managed 39 goals across 24 matches, but perhaps the highlight of his career was when he took on Graham Wright to boot the winner against Collingwood in 1990.

57. Jake Stringer

Games: 89 (2013-17)

Goals: 160

Achievements: 2016 Premiership Player, x3 Leading Goalkicker (2015-17), x1 All-Australian (2015)

Another inclusion that will be controversial due to the way things ended, but allow me first a moment to state the case for Jake Stringer. His natural ability rivals any player on this list; at his best, he was a force of destruction that terrorised opposition defences and was a regular match-winner for the Bulldogs. His 2015 campaign was testament to that, dominating the competition with 56 goals and an All-Australian selection. At his worst he was an enigma; regularly going weeks without influencing games, with only the odd standout performance capturing the imagination once again. These inconsistencies, along with off-field controversies - preventing him from featuring any higher on this list - ultimately led to his departure at the end of 2017, but not before rounding off a resume that includes three consecutive leading goalkicker awards, and being a part of the 2016 Premiership side. 

56. Len McCankie

Games: 143 (1941-50)

Goals: 10

Achievements: State Representative (Vic)

Debuting at just 16 years of age, Len McCankie showed immense promise as a junior, and he proved to be a valuable addition to the club’s defence, establishing himself as a regular member of one of Footscray’s first consistent sides. He represented Victoria twice during his career (in 1947 and 1947), and played in four Semi-Finals for the club during the 1940s, although never played in a winning final for the club. The sliding doors moment came in 1950 for McCankie, following the departure of long-time captain-coach Arthur Olliver. Vice-Captain to Olliver at the time, McCankie was one of the contenders to assume the role of leading the side, but the club instead opted to appoint Charlie Sutton. McCankie left the club following that decision.

55. Daniel Cross

Games: 210 (2002-13)

Goals: 39

Achievements: x1 Best and Fairest (2008), Night Premiership Player (2010), International Rules Representative (2010)

Hard-working, tireless, and brave, Daniel Cross wasn’t the perfect footballer, but managed to build an entire career around being able to outlast any opponent. He struggled for game time early during his career, often being forced to cut his teeth as a tagger, but like so many of his teammates, things changed when Rodney Eade was appointed coach in 2005. In his first season under Eade, Cross played every game for the first time in his career, and rarely missed a game until his departure at the end of 2013. Over those nine seasons, he won over fans and pundits alike with his courage and elite skills by hand. After leaving the club, he played a further two seasons at Melbourne before retiring in 2015.

54. Allan Collins

Games: 99 (1939-46)

Goals: 178

Achievements: x1 Best and Fairest (1943), x2 Leading Goalkicker (1941, 1943), State Representative (Vic)

Many Bulldogs fans will be aware of legendary goalkicker Jack Collins, one of Footscray’s very best players during the 1950s. However, many will likely not have heard of older brother Allan, who was a fine footballer in his own right. He was initially spotted by VFA side Yarraville, but after dominating in his first few games, Footscray selectors immediately pounced, and Yarraville reluctantly cleared Collins. He became an overnight sensation for the Bulldogs, playing every game in his first season for the club as a rover, and quickly becoming the most important player in the lineup, with his skill and bravery standout features. He twice led the club’s goalkicking, and won the best and fairest in 1943, before taking on the role of captain-coach at Berrigan at the end of 1946.

53. Stephen Macpherson

Games: 188 (1982-95)

Goals: 152

Achievements: State Representative (TAS)

Like a number of players on this list, Stephen Macpherson presented himself as a tough but talented footballer for 14 seasons at the Bulldogs, but ultimately holds a record that doesn’t reflect the quality of the player. Dogged by injuries throughout his career, it’s quite telling that the Bulldogs two best seasons during Macoherson’s career were the two times he managed to play more than 20 games in a season - 1985 and 1992. At his best, he was a strong, aggressive midfielder who was assured by the Bulldogs faithful. Success didn’t entirely elude him, either; he played in two reserves Premierships for Footscray, in 1988 and 1994.

52. Lindsay Gilbee

Games: 206 (2001-12)

Goals: 119

Achievements: Night Premiership Player (2010), x1 All Australian (2006), x2 International Rules Representative (2005-06)

Whether it was by pinpointing targets out of defence, indulging in a multi-bounce run along the wing, or finishing off the move with a long-range goal from outside 50, Lindsay Gilbee dazzled Bulldogs crowds on the fast deck at Docklands for over a decade, and deservedly holds a reputation of being one of the best kicks that the Bulldogs have ever produced. Initially bounced in and out of the side during the first few years of his career, it was under Rodney Eade (that man again) where Gilbee really burst onto the scene. He represented Australian in consecutive years, and in 2006 won his only All-Australian blazer. His explosive speed and pinpoint accuracy made him a fan favourite at the Bulldogs, and played his role in the 2010 Pre-Season Premiership, before injuries brought about an end to his career.

51. Ryan Griffen

Games: 202 (2005-14)

Goals: 130

Achievements: Captain (2014), x2 Best and Fairest (2010, 2013), x1 All Australian (2013), Night Premiership Player (2010), AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match Representative

During the 2013 season, Ryan Griffen was the Bulldogs best player, and at the very peak of his powers. His gut running, raw power, and elite kicking skills had him sitting comfortably as one of the best players in the competition. It was a season that saw him claim his second club best-and-fairest, his maiden All-Australian blazer, and was deservedly awarded the honour of being named captain over the summer. But then 12 months later, it all changed. A back injury hampered most of Griffen’s 2014 season, the Bulldogs had regressed as a team, and at season’s end, Griffen sensationally requested a trade to the GWS Giants, in a move that subsequently felled coach Brendan McCartney and CEO Simon Garlick at the same time. It was one of the more explosive trades in memory, with Griffen eventually getting his move, and Tom Boyd arriving the other way. It was a messy, awful conclusion to a fine career, and while it took Bulldogs fans many years to move on from the proverbial dagger in the heart, it shouldn’t diminish what he achieved at the club as a player

50. Jason Johannisen

Games: 196 (2012-)

Goals: 75

Achievements: 2016 Premiership Player, 2016 Norm Smith Medal

Originally from South Africa, little was expected of the light-built Jason Johannisen; a young kid who had since moved to WA, and was drafted at Pick 39 in the 2011 Rookie Draft. He had pace to burn and was a long kick, but there wasn’t much else that was known about him. However, he’s since entrenched himself into Bulldogs folklore, and as he approaches the end of his career, still has one more milestone to accomplish. One of many Bulldogs blooded into the system at a time where the club were struggling, Johannisen showed enough promise to be given time to develop; firstly by then-coach Brendan McCartney, and later by Luke Beveridge, who Johannisen particularly thrived under. He became crucial to Beveridge’s high-intensity game style, with his explosive bursts off half-back key to many Bulldogs attacks. The crowning moment for Johannisen arrived in 2016, when he not only played in the Bulldogs Premiership team, he also became the first (and to date, only) Bulldog to win the Norm Smith Medal, awarded to the player adjudged best-on-ground in the Grand Final. Johannisen has still remained an important player for the Bulldogs years later, but injuries have taken their toll over the past few seasons, and remains four games short of a 200-match milestone.

Jason Johannisen's performance in the 2016 Grand Final will go down in Bulldogs folklore. Source: Getty Images

49. Nathan Eagleton

Games: 221 (2000-10)

Goals: 186

Achievements: Night Premiership Player (2010)

There were many sights that Bulldogs fans got used to enjoying during the 2000s; Nathan Eagleton taking off along the wing was one of them. Arriving from Port Adelaide, Eagleton quickly demonstrated his tendency to run and kick the ball long, and with good reason. For a decade he showcased how effective his strengths were, particularly under a Rodney Eade side that was built around fast-paced, gut-running football. While individual accolades were not something his career was built around, he played his role in locking down a crucial role on the wing for several years, and also played in the 2010 Night Premiership side.

48. Ian Dunstan

Games: 172

Goals: 135

Achievements: x3 Best and Fairest (1979, 1981-82), State Representative (Vic)

During an era where Footscray largely struggled both on and off-field, Ian Dunstan was the man that the club often turned to, and he regularly delivered. A rather tall player, Dunstan was used largely as a midfielder throughout his career, but was a crucial player in the middle for the Bulldogs, regularly leading the way as one of the main disposal winners at the club. The late 1970s was where Dunstan was at his absolute best, winning the club’s best and fairest award three times in four years, while also representing Victoria in three successive seasons. The best performance of his career came in a memorable day for the club, where he collected 36 disposals and booted seven goals as Footscray posted a then-record score in the VFL (33.15.213). His 7.3 (and Kelvin Templeton’s ‘modest’ return of 15.9) remains a league record for the most goals scored by two teammates in a match.

47. Jim Edmond

Games: 154 (1977-85)

Goals: 226

Achievements: Captain (1983-85), x1 Leading Goalkicker (1981)

A fiery, passionate, but talented footballer, Jim Edmond was a popular player at the Bulldogs, and a key pillar in a Bulldogs forward line that linked the gap between star forwards Kelvin Templeton and Simon Beasley. Edmond wasn’t a particularly tall forward, but proved himself to be an excellent overheard mark for someone of his size, and could regularly be relied upon with his conversion for goal. While the Bulldogs struggled during the turn of the decade, Edmond won the club’s leading goalkicker award in 1981, and was entrusted with the club captaincy for the last three season’s of his career - including during the club’s run to the 1985 Preliminary Final - before leaving the Bulldogs due to a contractual dispute.

46. Adam Cooney

Games: 219 (2004-14)

Goals: 186

Achievements: x1 Brownlow Medal (2008), x1 All-Australian (2008), Night Premiership Player (2010), AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match Representative

Were it not for that knee injury, Adam Cooney would be much, much higher on this list. Arriving as the No.1 Pick in the 2003 Draft, Cooney quickly showed why the Bulldogs rated him so highly, his explosive turn of speed and elite kicking skills took the competition by storm, and in his first few seasons, he quickly developed into a star of the competition. His meteoric rise was franked in 2008 when he became the 10th Bulldog to win a Brownlow Medal, and won his maiden All-Australian blazer. But during that year’s finals series, Cooney suffered a cracked patella and subsequent cartilage damage to his right knee. He braved through another six seasons at the club (plus two more at Essendon), but that devastating form he showed early in his career would never return.

45. Daniel Giansiracusa

Games: 265 (2001-14)

Goals: 331

Achievements: x2 Leading Goalkicker (2012-13), Night Premiership Player (2010), International Rules Representative (2005)

A popular servant of the club amongst the fanbase, Daniel Giansiracusa was a player who had to reinvent himself several times during his career, but proved himself a vital asset no matter where he was used. Initially used as a craft, goalkicking midfielder, Giansiracusa slowly transitioned into more of a medium-sized forward as his career progressed, becoming a particularly solid support act for Barry Hall, as he kicked 80 goals in 45 games from 2010-11. Following Hall’s retirement, Giansiracusa again switched roles, this time being used as the regular substitute; a newly-introduced initiative by the AFL. As a result, Giansiracusa became known as the original ‘super-sub’, regularly coming off the bench in the second half, and using his fresh legs to swing the momentum of games frequently, often playing a decisive hand in clinching victories for the Bulldogs. By the end of his career, he was ranked in the top 10 for both games played and goals scored at the Bulldogs.

Adam Cooney (L) and Daniel Giansiracusa were both crucial players for the Bulldogs in the 2000s. Source: Getty Images

44. Leon Cameron

Games: 172

Goals: 68

Achievements: x1 Best and Fairest (1993)

A player that oozed class, Leon Cameron was one of Footscray’s most damaging players during the 1990s, and is arguably the best kick the club has ever seen. Deployed both through the centre and in defence, Cameron was often relied upon to launch the Bulldogs into attack, and he rarely let them down when it came to finding a teammate. His best season at the club came in 1993, where he polled 14 votes to finish sixth in the Brownlow Medal, while also taking out Footscray’s best-and-fairest award. He would continue to provide consistent service to the club for the rest of the decade, before leaving for Richmond at the turn of the century.

43. Dave Bryden

Games: 147

Goals: 56

Achievements: 1954 Premiership Player, State Representative (Vic)

Footscray’s defence during the 1950s was one of the strongest backlines the league has ever seen, and Dave Bryden’s role in the back six was a big reason why. For three years from 1953-55, Footscray conceded the fewest points of any team in the league, and its 1953 effort of 959 points against is the lowest tally conceded since the introduction of the 12-team system in 1925. Bryden, often named in the back-pocket with occasional stints in the ruck, played every game in 1954, including Footscray’s Grand Final victory over Melbourne, where the much-vaunted Footscray defence kept Melbourne to just seven goals for the day. Bryden was named among the Bulldogs best in that game, with 17 kicks and seven marks

42. Brian Lake

Games: 197

Goals: 32

Achievements: x1 Best and Fairest (2007), x2 All-Australian (2009-10), Night Premiership Player (2010)

One of the best full-backs that the Bulldogs have ever produced, Brian Lake built a reputation for being an excellent reader of the play, with his ability to pluck intercept marks at will a highlight of his game for several seasons. Initially drafted as a forward, he was quickly thrown into defence, and showed enough promise for the club to persist with him in that role. Over the coming seasons, he grew from a no-frills stopper to a flamboyant interceptor, regularly keeping out some of the most dangerous key forwards in the game. His ability to hold the defence together was recognised by winning the club’s Best and Fairest in 2007, before making consecutive All-Australian teams at the back end of the decade, as the Bulldogs reached Preliminary Finals in both seasons. Hip and knee injuries took their toll on Lake shortly after, and he eventually left for Hawthorn, where he would go on to win three Premierships and a Norm Smith medal.

41. Liam Picken

Games: 198

Goals: 87

Achievements: 2016 Premiership Player, Night Premiership Player (2010), x1 Leading Goalkicker (2017), x1 International Rules Series Representative (2010)

Rejected several times by AFL clubs prior to the Bulldogs giving him a chance, that Liam Picken refused to give in shouldn’t come as a surprise to Bulldogs supporters. Recruited from Williamstown, the Seagulls were so desperate to help Picken achieve his AFL dream, that they were prepared to pay for half of his contract with the Bulldogs when they selected him in the 2009 Rookie Draft. By Round 2, he was making his debut at the MCG. The story would be remarkable enough if it had ended there, but it had so much more to play out. With a ferocious attack on the footy and a disciplined mindset, Picken was notorious for being one of the most effective taggers in the game, regularly shutting out the opposition’s best midfielders. It was a role he stuck with for six seasons, but it all changed when Luke Beveridge arrived, who relieved him of his tagging roles and moulded him into a ball-winning midfielder. It was an inspired move. Picken became a key player over the next three seasons at the Bulldogs, but it was in the final month of 2016 where he came a club legend. Over the four finals, Picken booted eight goals, including kicking three goals from 25 disposals in the Grand Final win, going on to be one of the best players on the day. So significant was his influence, that he won the award for the club’s Best Finals player that year.

Matthew Donald's Top 100 Footscray/Western Bulldogs Players of All Time:

100. Alan Martin

99. Stuart Magee

98. Michael McLean

97. Geoff Jennings

96. Tory Dickson

95. Ryan Hargrave

94. Ross Abbey

93. Roger Duffy

92. Tony McGuinness

91. Bailey Dale

90. Ted Whitten

89. Will Minson

88. Mitch Hahn

87. Barry Round

86. Aaron Naughton

85. Terry Wheeler

84. Rick Kennedy

83. Luke Dahlhaus

82. Danny Del-Re

81. Paul Hudson

80. Gary Merrington

79. Ian Bryant

78. Steven kretiuk

77. Harvey Stevens

76. Andrew Purser

75. Barry Hall

74. Don Ross

73. Josh Dunkley

72. Peter Welsh

71. Lachie Hunter

70. Stephen Power

69. Matthew Croft

68. Leo Ryan

67. Jose Romero

66. Peter Foster

65. John Kerr

64. Simon Atkins

63. Brad Hardie

62. Terry Wallace

61. Laurie Sandilands

60. Caleb Daniel

59. Nathan Brown

58. Steven Kolyniuk

57. Jake Stringer

56. Len McCankie

55. Daniel Cross

54. Allan Collins

53. Stephen Macpherson

52. Lindsay Gilbee

51. Ryan Griffen

50. Jason Johannisen

49. Nathan Eagleton

48. Ian Dunstan

47. Jim Edmond

46. Adam Cooney

45. Daniel Giansiracusa

44. Leon Cameron

43. Dave Bryden

42. Brian Lake

41. Liam Picken