20 Years Since Bulldogs’ Last Premiership: A Look Back at the Golden Days of 2004

It’s been 20 years since the Bulldogs’ last premiership, a moment that is etched in the memories of fans and players alike. The 2004 Grand Final victory over the Roosters was a culmination of years of hard work, setbacks, and determination for the Bulldogs.

The road to the premiership was not an easy one for the Bulldogs. In 2002, they were the best team in the competition, winning 17 games in a row before being stripped of all competition points for salary cap breaches. The following years were filled with near misses and heartbreak, but the team never lost faith in their ability to win a premiership.

The 2004 Grand Final was a brutal contest, with both teams leaving everything on the field. The Bulldogs, led by captain Andrew Ryan, fought tooth and nail against their fierce rivals, the Roosters. In the dying moments of the game, Ryan made a premiership-saving tackle on Michael Croker, securing the victory for the Bulldogs.

The celebrations that followed were epic, with the players being transported from Homebush to Canterbury League Club on a double-decker bus. The streets were lined with fans, and the party went on for days.

Now, 20 years later, the 2004 premiership-winning team will reunite to celebrate their historic victory. Many of the players have moved on to new careers and ventures, but the bond they share from that unforgettable season remains strong.

As they gather to reminisce and relive the glory days, one thing is certain – the 2004 Bulldogs will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike. The memories of that premiership win will continue to inspire and unite Bulldogs supporters for years to come.