The Western Bulldogs enjoyed another strong season in 2009 only to let themselves down with poor kicking in the Preliminary Final, which possibly cost the team a Grand Final berth. Disappointingly for the players and fans, the scenario was not dissimilar to 2008.

Champion captain, Brad Johnson has made it clear he loves nothing more than playing under the roof of Etihad Stadium.

“When the roof’s shut the atmosphere is amazing and it is where I have played some of my best football,” the skipper said recently.

Johnson played his 300th career match at the stadium in 2008 and a year later broke the club's games record. In 2009 Johnson became the first AFL player to play 100 matches at Etihad Stadium.

Coach: Rodney Eade

Captain: Brad Johnson

Premierships: (1) 1954

Brownlow Medallists: Allan Hopkins (tied) 1930, Norm Ware 1931, Peter Box 1956, John Schultz 1960, Gary Dempsey 1975, Kelvin Templeton 1980, Brad Hardie 1985, Tony Liberatore 1990, Scott Wynd 1992, Adam Cooney 2008

300 game players: Brad Johnson 349, Chris Grant 341, Doug Hawkins 329, Scott West 324, Ted Whitten snr 321
AFL Hall of Fame Legends: Ted Whitten

Norm Smith Medallists: -