Our unique association with the Western Bulldogs Football Club began in the 1980s. It has grown to include all four teams (AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW), and our innovative shared campus at VU Whitten Oval.
As the partnership continues to grow, so do the opportunities for our students and researchers. Each year, the Western Bulldogs host around 100 student placements through the Club and the Community Foundation. Our joint-funded sports-science team supervises students undertaking research in sport science, data analytics, strength and conditioning, and psychology.
Due to the Block Model, VU has also become the preferred place for Bulldogs players to study. The learning model enables them to train, play and complete their studies without missing too many subjects during the season. Currently there are 21 Bulldogs players (across all teams) enrolled at VU.
VU Polytechnic massage students treat Bulldogs players.
70 Western Bulldog elite athletes have attended VU.
>50 Bulldogs staff are VU alumni.
The entire Bulldogs' all-female sport-science team is from VU.
100 VU students work with the Bulldogs every year.
VU–Bulldog researchers have gone on to the NBA, AFL & Tennis Aus
VU is the only sponsor that supports all 4 Bulldogs teams.
Whitten Oval hosts VU massage, sport & research students
The WB Community Foundation hosts VU psychology, sport & business placements
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is a VU adjunct professor
Researchers from VU are working with AFLW on a study to assess and track the mental health and wellbeing of Australian women athletes in semi-professional.
The Bulldogs accept sport science and exercise physiology cadets exclusively from VU. Our College of Sport and Exercise Science offers up to three Western Bulldogs student cadetships annually.
Each year, VU students have the opportunity to complete workplace learning with the Bulldogs in areas including:
The University also has seventy students actively involved in the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, a grass-roots initiative that provides those living in the western suburbs with the tools and support they need in order to succeed.
In addition, VU massage therapy and myotherapy students gain hands-on experience treating Bulldogs’ players and members of the public at our Victoria University Whitten Oval Massage Clinic.
Many current and former Bulldogs' players and staff are studying at Victoria University or are VU Alumni.
Bulldogs players are encouraged to prepare for a career after football, including continuing their education. Our Elite Athlete program helps players who study at VU to balance study with training and competition demands, by offering flexible study options and career development support.
Our joint Professional Development Support Program helps Western Bulldogs’ staff continue their professional development through further study. Through this program, VU makes a contribution to the fees of a small number of staff selected for the program each year.
VU and the Bulldogs have a shared commitment to the development of the western region through community-building programs. Some of our current community programs include:
VU’s sports science researchers work side-by-side with the Bulldogs' coaching, medical and performance teams in a structured research program.
Collaborative research topics have included:
Joint projects give our researchers the opportunity to work with an elite sports team and contribute to real-world advances in the sports industry. They also offer the Bulldogs access to sport science expertise to help them improve their on-field performance and to develop their skills and fitness in our world-class sports facilities.
Future plans include a number of evaluation and research projects for the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation evaluating program impact and opportunities for further improvements.
Contact our sponsorship team for more information on our Western Bulldogs partnership.
Phone: +61 3 9919 1014
Email: [email protected].
Visit the Western Bulldogs website for more information about the club.
