Prime Minister John Howard was presented with a 2005 membership for the Western Bulldogs AFL team as he reaffirmed his election promise for an $8 million upgrade of the team's home ground.

The club's president David Smorgon and chief executive Campbell Rose visited Mr Howard in Canberra and presented him with the team membership and memorabilia in thanks for his support for the redevelopment.

Many were surprised when Mr Howard visited Whitten Oval in the safe Labor seat of Gellibrand in Melbourne's west during the election campaign and promised the upgrade.

And since the election Labor MPs have cast doubt on the government's commitment to its promise.

But Mr Rose said he was convinced the promise would be honoured.

"The redevelopment will be a major achievement for the Western Bulldogs and the community of western Melbourne," he said.

"The Whitten Oval will become a hub for all community activity including sport and health, and we look forward to taking the next step in this project."

Mr Howard was presented with a Western Bulldogs outfit and Mr Smorgon said he hoped the Prime Minister would set aside his famous Wallabies tracksuit and wear the AFL team's colours on his morning walks.

The Whitten Oval redevelopment is to include improved road and rail access, a child care centre, a convention centre and a medical centre.

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