‘Ray showed us how to win again’: Bulldogs coach Ray Masters celebrates 300th game with 85-point victory

A “true champion” of the LSWFL, Bulldogs coach Ray Masters celebrated his 300th game with an 85-point victory over the Tigers at the weekend. Humble in achievement, Masters said he was “definitely chuffed” by the three-decade milestone and had always loved footy even though he grew up in an all-female household. “Growing up I was the only boy in a family of girls and it’s just something I have always loved and played since I was a young boy and I’ve just kept on loving my footy,” he said. “I’ve played in the WAFL, played in the South West, but spent most of my time in the Lower South West.” During his 35 years as a Lower South West league coach, Masters has claimed four premierships for both the Manjimup Tigers and Bridgetown Bulldogs, but began his coaching journey with the Manjimup Imperials at the age of 24 in 1987. Masters said the short drive to Bridgetown was “well worth it” and the reward of creating a successful football club is something he will always love. “I’d sort of coached both the Manjimup teams so I was looking at something different and the offer came from Bridgetown and I just decided to take it,” he said. “When you have a group of young guys that are willing to learn and that are prepared to do the things that help make a successful footy club, I guess that’s the reward that you get.” With a massive win over the Tigers at the weekend — placing Bridgetown second on the ladder behind Deanmill — Masters said he looked forward to having more success at the Bridgetown Football Club. “While it was a great day, I really look forward to having more success in the Bridgetown footy club,” he said. I’m definitely chuffed about (the 300 milestone) and I guess it shows that I’ve stayed involved in footy for a long time which has always been my passion.” A Facebook post by the Bridgetown Bulldogs said Masters was a true champion of the LSWFL and would go down in Bulldogs history as the key component to their successful turnaround. “In simple terms, Ray showed us how to win again,” it said.