By Charlene Gatt
FORMER Western Bulldogs great John Schultz has turned author for a new book which features the stories of 90 former Bulldog greats.
The Bulldog Heritage includes stories from past players Charlie Sutton, Rick Kennedy, Chris Grant and even Johnny Craddock, who played on and off between 1905 and 1920.
In some cases where a player is deceased, family members have written their memories. Mr Schultz wrote a piece on legend Ted Whitten, who was his coach when he joined the club.
“It’s not just confined to their times at the Bulldogs, it’s all about the player,” Mr Schultz said.
“It’s about what the club means to them, how they found it and if it changed anything for them later in life.”
The book has been eight years in the making. Mr Schultz organised a series of past player reunions to recruit storytellers, but found many were reluctant to write their own story.
In the end, a speech from Team of the Century member Jim Gallagher helped many put pen to paper.
Mr Schultz hopes the book will be one of many to chronicle the life of a Bulldogs player.
Mr Schultz and his team have already prepared a list of players who wish to feature in the next book, with some stories starting to come in.
The book will be launched synonymously with the Bulldogs’ first Hall of Fame event at Crown Casino on 29 May.
The club’s greats will be recognised in two categories – Hall of Fame members and Bulldogs Legends.
A five-member selection committee chaired by president David Smorgon will consider potential inductees based on outstanding service, devotion and overall contribution to the club.
The Bulldogs are the last Victorian AFL team to have a Hall of Fame.
