AFL 2025: Chris Grant resigns as Western Bulldogs football boss

A Western Bulldogs great has stepped down from his major administrative role after an interesting development last season.

Western Bulldogs football boss Chris Grant has decided to leave his role after nine seasons at the helm of the club’s programs.

The Bulldogs great said the decision to resign had “not been an easy one”, but he was ready to move on to a new career after holding roles at Whitten Oval since he was elected to the club’s board in 2011.

Grant’s decision came after the Bulldogs created a new position for 2023 which created distance between him and senior coach Luke Beveridge.

Former Geelong defender Matthew Egan was appointed as general manager of football operations following a review of the club’s football department, which chief executive Ameet Bains said would give Beveridge a “buffer” in the program.

Chris Grant (right) has stepped down from his head of football position at the Western Bulldogs after overseeing Luke Beveridge’s program since 2016. Picture: Michael Dodge / AAP

Bains said in February there had been “tensions in many quarters” but denied there was a rift between Grant and Beveridge, saying those reports had been “grossly exaggerated”.

Grant thanked the Bulldogs for a special journey which included the breakthrough 2016 premiership in his first year as football department boss.

“I’ve spent over half of my life with the club as a player and administrator and will cherish the many memories we have created together at the Western Bulldogs,” Grant said.

“While the decision to pause and map out the next stage of my professional career has not been an easy one, I leave knowing the club is in a great position to succeed and write the next chapter in the amazing history of the red, white and blue.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the players, coaches, and football department staff across all our programs for the trust they have shown in me to manage the football department over the past nine years, forging lifelong friendships and creating some amazing memories together along the way.”

Bains said Grant would leave a lasting legacy at the Bulldogs after 341 games between 1990 and 2007 before swiftly returning in an administrative role.

A man who has bled red, white and blue for over 30 years. Chris Grant has today made a decision to depart the Club next month. We thank Granty for everything he has given over the years.

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) November 29, 2024

“Chris has been an outstanding Bulldogs person for more than three decades, characterised by great integrity, care and compassion for the club and our people,” Bains said.

“Without exception, Chris has always put the club first, building a legacy that includes overseeing two premierships and countless accolades during his time as a champion player and progressive leader at the Bulldogs.

“Chris remains one of the best players to ever don the red, white and blue jumper. As an administrator, his ever-calming influence and ability to lead people has guided this club through both successful and challenging times.

“On behalf of our club and the entire Bulldogs community, we’re extremely grateful to Chris for everything he has done for us and we wish him well for the next chapter of his journey.”

Originally published as AFL 2025: Chris Grant resigns as Western Bulldogs football boss