Liam Nash celebrates a goal during the 2019 VFL finals. Picture: AFL Photos

FOOTSCRAY has finalised its list ahead of the revamped 2021 VFL season, which will begin next Saturday with a clash against the Gold Coast Suns at VU Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs have retained the majority of their players from last year – after the 2020 season was abandoned due to Covid-19 – and welcomed a handful of fresh faces to the squad.

Among the new recruits are former VFL Tiger Nick Baltas, cricketer-turned-footballer Bailey Van De Heuvel, and youngsters Ned Nichols, Chance Doultree and Spencer Anderson.

A NEW ERA STARTS The 2021 VFL season is like no other

Already familiar with the club due to his work with the Community Foundation, Cooper Craig-Peters has also signed with the ‘Scray.

Headlining the returning players is Lachie Sullivan, who has been appointed as captain for 2021.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined the Bulldogs in 2019 and takes the reins from former skipper Josh Prudden.

Former AFL-listed footballers Jesse Glass-McCasker (Carlton) and Nathan Drummond (Richmond) have recommitted, with Reuben William (Brisbane Lions) also returning to the Kennel, after last featuring for the VFL Bulldogs in 2019.

Bulldogs father-son prospect Ewan Macpherson, Next Generation Academy youngster Cody Raak and Eastern Ranges product Corey Preston are also in the squad, having spent the earlier part of the year training with the Bulldogs’ senior side.

One player from the Bulldogs’ 2016 VFL premiership team - Liam Nash - remains on the list.

Footscray will open its 2021 campaign against the Gold Coast Suns at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday 17 April.

FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS 2021 LIST

Name

Community club

Nathan Drummond

Old Melburnians 

Lachie Sullivan (C)

St. Kevins

Tate Short

Caulfield Grammarians

Robbie McComb

Wantirna South

Reuben William

Spotswood

Bailey Van De Heuvel

Ballarat

Jordan Boyd

Spotswood

Nayef Hamad

Spotswood

Jesse Glass-McCasker

Yarraville Seddon

Corey Preston

Ferntree Gully/Eastern Ranges

Liam Nash

Mirboo North

Nick Baltas

Caulfield Grammarians

Dan Orgill

Collegians

Cody Raak

Caroline Springs

Ewan Macpherson

Montmorency

Josh Kellett

Williamstown CYMS

Darcy Cassar

Keilor

Lachlan Dawson

Ballarat

Cooper Craig-Peters

Redan

Charlie Cormack

Old Scotch

Austin Hodge

Blackburn

Lachlan Stephens

Caulfield Grammarians

Charlie Langford

Eaglehawk

Jarrod Gilbee

Mooroolbark

Ned Nichols

Old Melburnians

Chance Doultree

Traralgon

Spencer Anderson

Old Melburnians