THE WESTERN Bulldogs are enjoying their fifth consecutive year in the black after announcing an operating profit of $121,762 for 2011 on Monday.
 
However, Bulldogs chief executive Simon Garlick was not popping the Champagne corks, telling the club's website the small windfall reflected a particularly challenging year on the field.
 
"While the downturn in our on-field performance in 2011 has certainly had an impact on the business this year, the club's strategic direction remains strong and on track, underpinned by our comprehensive five-year business plan," Garlick said.
 
"This blueprint is designed to strategically position the club to build the strongest of futures aligned with the growth of Melbourne's west."
 
Garlick said the recent allocation of AFL Club Future Fund Model represented a significant vote of confidence in the Western Bulldogs' strategy to Win the West.
 
"The Bulldogs' strategy in the western region of Melbourne is already showing dividends. This year's membership figures show that 45 of the top 50 Bulldogs membership suburbs were based in the west in 2011 and more than one in 10 members called the Hoppers Crossing and Werribee area home."

He said those figures confirmed Melbourne's west was "the Bulldogs' backyard".
 
Garlick also thanked members and fans for their support during the Bulldogs' "Bulldoze the Debt" campaign which contributed $800,000 to help eliminate bank debt.
 
He said the recent completion of the $31 million redevelopment of Whitten Oval was also a key achievement in 2011.
 
"This significant investment has resulted in the club having some of the leading community, commercial and elite sporting facilities in the competition," Garlick said.
 
In a press release, the club said it was also looking forward to the expected appointment of Chris Grant to the Western Bulldogs' board.

Grant is expected to be elected to the board at the next Annual General Meeting in December.
 
Grant has an uncontested nomination for the board and the club said he would "be a significant asset to the Bulldogs, especially in the key position of football director".