In 2016, a rampant Western Bulldogs stared down the weight of history to secure their first Premiership flag in over six decades.

It was never meant to be this way – no club is meant to win a Premiership after finishing seventh on the ladder. But for Luke Beveridge’s men, history didn’t matter: they overcame an early season-ending injury to inspirational skipper Bob Murphy, applying their relentless brand of footy as they headed into their first Finals series since 2010 playing with a passion and intensity that thrilled both fans and neutrals alike. An impressive Elimination Final victory over the West Coast Eagles away at Domain Stadium was followed by pulsating wins over three-time reigning Premiers Hawthorn and the GWS Giants, and all of a sudden the Bulldogs faithful dared to dream as they were catapulted into their first Grand Final since 1961. And on an historic day in front of a packed house at the MCG, the Bulldogs surged to victory against Minor Premiers the Sydney Swans, hoisting the club’s first Premiership Cup since 1954, and painting Melbourne red, white and blue in the process.

Sit back and relive the Bulldogs’ triumph with a panel of experts as they review all the highlights of club’s historic 2016 Premiership season.