THE WESTERN Bulldogs envisage a world in which men's football returns to Whitten Oval, and have unveiled their grand plan to do so.

Works expected to cost up to $45 million would see the Whitten Stand rebuilt and able to hold more spectators.

The Dogs' AFLW side already plays at the ground.

Chief executive officer Ameet Bains made a bold declaration to westernbulldogs.com.au.

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"We would love to see the occasional heritage AFL match return to the ground in time," Bains said.

The Dogs plan to fund a large proportion of the cost themselves but are also negotiating with the Victorian government to help pay for the project.

"Our immediate focus is to improve the experience of watching football at the venue to ensure that VU Whitten Oval remains one of the key AFL priority venues for AFLW matches," Bains said.

"This includes the rebuilding of the Whitten Stand with upgraded club facilities for football, administration and community, as well as dedicated function facilities overlooking the ground and the city.

"It will also involve a slightly re-oriented playing surface and broadcast lighting quality, something the AFL has committed to investing in, given it sees the ground as a model venue for AFLW matches, especially at night."