THE WESTERN Bulldogs could be playing home games in Ballarat as soon as 2017 after signing off on a multi-million dollar agreement with the Victorian State Government.

The five-year deal could see the Bulldogs play as many as three games a season at a redeveloped Eureka Stadium.

The government has committed to spending $15 million on upgrading the venue to hold crowds of up to 20,000 spectators.

Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said the partnership was a huge coup for the club.

"This unique and exciting partnership will form the foundation for the Western Bulldogs to deliver on our commitment to build an enduring relationship with the Ballarat community and beyond," Gordon said

"We will be delivering a permanent presence in Ballarat as soon as possible – to support the delivery of our community programs and our commitment to play two to three games at an AFL standard Eureka Stadium."

It's a financial fillip for the cash-strapped club with Gordon revealing in July the Dogs made more money out of their round 15 clash against Gold Coast in Cairns than all of its home games at Etihad Stadium combined this year.

Eureka Stadium would be an ideal venue to host matches against lower-drawing interstate clubs like the Suns and GWS and the regional town is only a seven-hour drive from Adelaide.

The Bulldogs will wear Ballarat branded shorts in Saturday night's elimination final against Adelaide at the MCG.