Year of the Dogs (7-Day Rental)

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PRODUCT IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS RESIDING IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. ANY ORDERS FOR THIS PRODUCT THAT ARE PLACED FROM OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WILL BE CANCELLED AND REFUNDED.

PLEASE NOTE: If paying via purchase order, your 7-day rental period will begin when we approve your order. (Approvals are usually processed regularly during trading hours, but please allow up to two business days.) If paying up-front via credit card or PayPal, you will have access to stream the file in a matter of minutes, and your 7-day rental period will begin straight away.

You will receive an email (separate to your tax invoice) with a link to watch this video once your payment is received (or when we approve your purchase order).

When this film was completed in 1997, the “mighty” Bulldogs hadn’t won a premiership since 1954. The Club was close to broke and the threat of amalgamation hung over them. Footscray sees it as the big end of town versus the little end of town. But the people of the western suburbs remain passionate about their footy club. It's the heart and soul of the west. The film follows the 1996 season: it is the centenary year of the AFL and the whole of Victoria and the allied states are celebrating the meaning and tradition of Aussie Rules.

Year of the Dogs focuses on many key players, both on and off the field. Among them is Tony Liberatore, "Libber", the shortest player in the AFL, but the toughest tackler. His career has been a textbook case of fighting against the odds and it is no different this year. Libber is getting old and his tenure in the team is shaky. Danny Southern, a good-natured soul with a somewhat frightening hairstyle, is plagued by injuries. Meanwhile Shaun Baxter, the youngest player in the team, has a far greater battle to fight. At the beginning of the season he discovers he has a rare form of cancer. His personal battle mirrors the fate of the club. On the sidelines are two passionate Footscray fans Pat and Jenny Hodgson, mother and daughter.

It is through their heartfelt commitment to the club and "their boys" that outsiders can experience the emotions that motivate all true sport fans. No matter how the team performs the faithful will not desert the Bulldogs. But this time, maybe this time, the red, white and blue will triumph. And the west will have its day. GO DOGS! 

Classification exempt - Ronin recommends: M

Running time: 86 mins

ATOM has also produced a study guide for Year of the Dogs. This study guide is available for download here.

Year of the Dogs is also available to purchase on DVD here.