In a completed $150 million master plan for Whitten Oval, released on Thursday, Bulldogs' chief Ameet Bains said there was potential for "heritage" games at the ground in the long-term, given the number of AFL boutique stadiums already in play.

A $150 million full redevelopment, made in stages, would include convert the ground into an 18,000-seat venue likely to suit low crowd-drawing interstate rivals. Mars Stadium in Ballarat has a capacity for 16,000 fans.

Mr Bains, in a statement, said the club's immediate focus for the ground was to ensure Whitten Oval stays a key AFLW venue. This stage is likely to cost about $40 million and be underpinned by the club's sale of two pokie venues.

Time needed to make this a reality offers Ballarat breathing space.

The Bulldogs have reiterated the partnership with Ballarat and western Victoria remained a long-term strategic focus. This includes Bulldogs-led community development programs in Ballarat, independent of the possibility the Bulldogs might play AFL at Whitten Oval in the future.

City of Ballarat remains confident the Bulldogs are fully committed to to a long-term partnership with the region. The City's community development director Neville Ivey said there was no intention for any changes to the ongoing agreement to play AFL games in Ballarat.

"We understand the primary Whitten Oval redevelopment focus is for events other than AFL as part of its ongoing commitment to the local community as the Whitten Oval becomes the community hub for the west," Mr Ivey said.

"...City of Ballarat (also) continues to advocate for AFLW matches given the success of the last two years where AFLW practice matches have been successfully hosted at Mars Stadium."

Mr Ivey said the City was working with the state government to improve fan facilities at Mars Stadium, which has a capacity of 16,000. Premier Daniel Andrews made a $6.6 million promise to upgrades in last year's election race.

Victoria Sport Minister Martin Pakula also remained confident in the partnership.

"I'm in constant dialogue with the Bulldogs and the club has assured me of its commitment to Ballarat," Minister Pakula said.

"The Andrews Labor Government has delivered more than $38 million to redevelop the Eureka Sports Precinct and committed a further $11.8 million to transform the precinct and help to bring more major sporting events to Ballarat, including AFL and AFLW games."

The last AFL match played at Whitten Oval, formerly known as Western Oval, was in August 1997.

Included in the $150 million plans is the potential for residential development and enhanced community facilities on adjoining land gifted to the club last year.

Western Bulldogs will host Brisbane Lions at Mars Stadium on May 11 in the first of two AFL premiership season matches in Ballarat this season. Adelaide will trek to Ballarat in round 23.

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