WESTERN Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson says Scott West is up there with fellow club legend Chris Grant as the best he's seen in his time at the club.

West was retired by the club at a tearful meeting at the Whitten Oval on Tuesday, and spent the evening with Johnson as he came to terms with the decision.

"It's obviously very emotional – you think back on what we've been through together, it's been a lot, both on and off the field," he said.

"Sitting with Scotty was obviously fairly quiet for a fair period of that time, because you're just there to support the bloke.

“We're just fantastic mates. Our friendship has certainly developed over the years and got stronger and stronger.

"As a player, he was probably the best I've seen at this club, probably him and Granty were on par with the way they played and the way they led."

Johnson debuted for the Bulldogs in 1994, a year after West, and said he was a significant figure in his development as a player.

"What this guy was able to offer me over my whole career has been enormous, and I wouldn't be the player I am without his support and the support of a couple of other guys that are no longer here.

"In regards to leadership, in my eyes he captained this club in a way, because he offered me so much, and the guidance that he gave me, and the experience and the knowledge he put forward to this group was just huge.

"The support that I received from him was just enormous, and it's going to be missed, without a doubt."