Our natural enemies? And friends?

[Dry Rot]

Sure the so-called Vic "Big Four" all hate each other - the Pies fans love a Dons loss etc. And of course there's the civil war between the SA and WA sides.

But who are our natural enemies over the decades?

In recent times, the Crows and Tigers are the obvious answers, but are they just latecomers?

Were the Dees our big enemies in the 50s?

And as much as you can be, who are our friends? North come to mind for me,

[LostDoggy]

I always thought Fitzroy was our biggest enemy from the past. I think the Essendon games shape up to be a good battle, and we always seem to take our best game along to meet Collingwood. Friends, I would think the other battlers, Melbourne and North.

[Twodogs]

I was bought up to hate North Melbourne. I can remember my dear old nana who was so confused toward the end she sometimes thought my dad was her husband sitting up straight when North once came on the TV replay. "#@$#ing North Melbourne %^$*s! You're nuthin' but a crowd of cattle %$^#ers. Get back to your bloodhouses and cut me sunday roast" Now I knew she didnt like North Mebourne, and having read a lot about games at the turn of last century and knowing she would have been present at a lot of those events, I understand why. Still it made me sit up!



Essendon which is almost as close as North Melbourne are another. 1924 and all that!

[Dry Rot]

Good on your nan.

As a relatively newbie Dogs fan, I would have thought we'd like North.

Is it a same side of the river thing?

Who traditionally were the toffs teams beyond the Dees?

My old man grew up in Depression Carlton, and it wasn't a toff's team then.

[Dry Rot]

I always thought Fitzroy was our biggest enemy from the past. I think the Essendon games shape up to be a good battle, and we always seem to take our best game along to meet Collingwood. Friends, I would think the other battlers, Melbourne and North.

Melbourne are now regarded as a toffs team - but times have changed?

[The Coon Dog]

Interesting when you think about it.

I'm 42 & grew up hating most teams in Victoria (especially Collingwood). Actually hating is too intense, perhaps disliking, tho to a lesser degree with Fitzroy & South Melbourne. Perhaps I saw they were similar to us in that they often appeared to be on the chopping block & at times appeared friendless.

The introduction of interstate teams in some way has changed the landscape. Sympathy/admiration I had for South Melbourne & Fitzroy has not found its way across to Sydney or Brisbane for me.

I perhaps don't hate Collingwood as much as I did when I was younger where they were everybody's natural enemy.

I guess I have a bit of a soft spot for North Melbourne, tho I'm getting fed up of hearing about the 'Shinboner Spirit' (gee, I wish we could bottle whatever it is tho). They survive on the smell of an oily rag & continue to amaze with their never say die attitude.

Never really liked Carlton. They always seemed to buy the best players & cheated when they felt they wanted to (always hated them, bloody silvertails & couldn't stand that cheating President (make that plural with Elliott & Collins). Still peeved that they 'stole' Tommy Alivin!

I think I hated Collingwood because a) everyone who didn't barrack for them did & b) they had so many supporters & games at Victoria Park were extremely hostile. It was quite intimidating, tho I did love running onto their 'hallowed turf' when Kelvin Templeton brought up the ton there in 1978.

I never really minded Essendon until Sheedy went there. Gee, they gave us some horrible beatings in the 1980's. Don't like Essendon now, their supporters reckon the world owes them (apart from DG38's Gran, who I met earlier this year down at Geelong when we played them in a practice match & she was nice).

The side I most disliked during the 1980's for some strange reason was Geelong. Bloody 3rd generation Western District farmers. Gee-Long, Gee-Long, I hated hearing their cheer squad chant that when sitting near them. I reckon I was one of the few Victorians supporting West Coast in '92 & '94. I've mellowed a little now, still don't like them tho.

I've never really liked Hawthorn. I remember our first game against them at Waverley in 1990 & their cheer squad was chanting 'Fitzroy Bulldogs'. They gave us some awful touch ups when they dominated the competition & I still think we would have beaten Essendon in 1985 if it wasn't for them bastards! Can't stand Kennett, tho I do admire the work he & others do for Beyond Blue.

Go Dee's. Well played #2! Sickening, absolutely sickeng. Stuck up Liberal toffs. Don't like 'em, never have, never will. Still haven't forgiven Brian Dixon for keeping Charlie's jumper (the bastard didn't want to hand it over either) or Robbie Flower for that mark & goal for their only win in 1981 (I think).

I sort of never minded Richmond when I was younger, but as I grew older I saw the error of my ways. Don't mind their theme song, probably the best going around, tho I used to like Fitzroy's. Feral, insular & they've got Brown & Wallace their. Can't stand that 'Eat 'em Alive' nonsense.

St.Kilda were harmless when I was growing up, because they were shit & their ground was a joke. My grade 4 teacher was Jewish & she barracked for St.Kilda. Being young & impressionable at that age I sympathised with her somewhat. I leaned about WW2 & when I see pictures Adolf Hitler I am reminded of her & by extension St.Kilda. Apart from her, every other St.Kilda supporter I knew was absolutely mental.

Of the interstate sides I don't mind Port Adelaide. They are a traditional football club & their supporters hate the Crows (I know I sound like the IRA here when referring to the Libyan's, in that my enemies enemy must be my friend) which is a good thing. I also like their coach Mark Williams. I once saw him interviewed & he was asked who would you like to see as Prime Minister one day. He was so passionate with his answer when he replied 'Paul Keating'. I suppose his Grand Final win in 2004 could also be called the 'sweetest victory'.

Hate Adelaide. Don't like Sydney or Brisbane. West Coast, a bit like Adelaide & Freo are like that ltlle dog you just feel sorry for.

[Dry Rot]

Good post TCD.

Re your grade 4 teacher, presume you know Saints had the colours of the German flag pre-WW1?

Not living in Melbourne (and not seeing their fans) I don't hate the Pies.

In the last decade I've come across too many arrogant Dons fans, and I live in a street full of swans members. :(

[Dry Rot]

Any historians here?

I still want to know what the Dogs v Dees rivalry was like in the mid fifties.

[The Coon Dog]

Good post TCD.

Re your grade 4 teacher, presume you know Saints had the colours of the German flag pre-WW1?

Not living in Melbourne (and not seeing their fans) I don't hate the Pies.

In the last decade I've come across too many arrogant Dons fans, and I live in a street full of swans members. :(

Yeah, I wonder if she would have supported them if they still wore those colours. St.Kilda relocated from the Junction Oval & that St.Kilda, Caulfield, Elsternwick area has a huge Jewish population in Melbourne.

I think it was Bill Jacobs on 3AW who got into a bit of strife many years back with his reference to St.Kilda & the rag trade (mainly owned by Jewish businessmen).

[aker39]

Being a bulldog supporter, and going to school in Essendon, the Bombers are by fair the team that I like to beat the most (I assume that means I hate them the most).

I think in my 6 years of secondary school, we managed to beat them once. As it turned out, we were on school holidays, so I didn't get to give it to them, like I had copped every Monday morning after another loss to the Dons.

In recent times, Richmond has replaced the Bombers as the team I like to beat the most. I don't think that needs any explanation.

In relation to Adelaide, my brothers despise them, and when they were playing the pies in a final a couple of years ago, they couldn't understand why I was barracking for the crows. I told them that my hatred for Collingwood go back a lot longer than my hatred for the crows.

[Go_Dogs]

Adelaide is the enemy for me, even though these days I'm more passive in regards to them.

[LostDoggy]

I've always been brought up to dislike Richmond, something about my mum hating them for some reason or other, then when Brown and Wallace went to them it turned into more of an intense hate, it's died died though since Brown broke his leg (I'd been wishing for a hamstring or two, that was a bit much) and Wallace has uh, not achieved much as of yet. My mum and I retain the idea that if we finish ahead of Richmond while Brown/Wallace is there on the ladder, then we have at least achieved something.

I've hated Melbourne since Round 21 2005, but I guess I've moved on from that. Can't stand Neitz though.

I don't know that I hate Collingwood, I more so hate their facilities, supporters, money etc. basically everything that they've got that we don't (well, our facilities being an exception soon). I also hate individual players such as Holland and Didak, and I hate everybody who confuses Dale for Dale Thomas. This is how my conversations go:
Person: So Kate, who's your favourite player?
Me: Dale Morris
Person: Oh my God, he needs a hair cut, but he's like, so hot. Why is your favourite player a Collingwood player? Don't you go for the Bulldogs? That's weird.
I can't tell you how much that annoys me.

I've been brought up to like Essendon, although I sort of hate them in a way, I mean I love beating them so much, and I like to finish above them on the ladder (hardly ever happened in my lifetime, so I try and make the most of it when it happens)...just so that I can brag to my grandparents, they've had the last laugh so many times though. (Thanks for the comment on my nan TCD :p )

I like the Hawks as well, my best friend goes for them and I like what they've done for the club, they have a lot of good kids coming through. I have a bit of a soft spot for the Roos as well, although they've achieved a lot more than us in recent times, which makes me a bit jealous.

[MrMahatma]

I'd like us to get Richmond in rivalry round. Having rivals is good for marketing, bonds supporters and players, and is just down-right fun. Most fans now, young or old, have seen enough over the last 10 years to hate Richmond with some sort of passion. What we need is that to be played up on, in rivalry round and have a bit of orchestrated banter - Wallace and Brown throwing some chat about us, Griff saying the tiges will give up again... etc etc. It'd be good for football.

[BulldogBelle]

I'd like us to get Richmond in rivalry round. Having rivals is good for marketing, bonds supporters and players, and is just down-right fun. Most fans now, young or old, have seen enough over the last 10 years to hate Richmond with some sort of passion. What we need is that to be played up on, in rivalry round and have a bit of orchestrated banter - Wallace and Brown throwing some chat about us, Griff saying the tiges will give up again... etc etc. It'd be good for football.

Yep, I agree with you - Richmond tends to get my agro meter on a higher scale whenever we meet them. I would like to face them in Round 1 when Johnno plays his 300th game, media attention would be massive.

[Twodogs]

I've actually pretty much stopped going to Richmond matches because I cant seem to keep out of fights. Even if we arent playing in the game-a couple of years ago I went to a Richmond/Collingwood game and got into blue with the idiots.

[BulldogBelle]

I've actually pretty much stopped going to Richmond matches because I cant seem to keep out of fights. Even if we arent playing in the game-a couple of years ago I went to a Richmond/Collingwood game and got into blue with the idiots.

Richmond seem to bring out the worst in us after recent events over the years - we just hate them with a passion. I am fairly even tempered at the football but whenever it is Richmond we are playing, especially if it an away game I will say some cheap comments about Richmond especially if there are Richmond supporters sitting close by to me so they can hear....I don't do that with any other team but them.....this started with the Libba-Knights fiasco.

[Mofra]

Richmond is probably our no 1 enemy now, although personally I can't stand North Melbourne. I'm glad Archer is gone because now I can hate the whole list properly.

[LostDoggy]

I live in Geelong.
take a wild guess, please!


and of course Richmond........they disgust me, just like toasted Terry Wallace.....
i get great pleasure out of sticking it up Tezza and his little 'friend' Nathan Brown,
UGHHHH

[Max469]

Adelaide Hate them that was our flag

Brisbane Animals - blame Libba but were good for having a go themselves

Collingwood The team everyone loves to hate - I don't mind them - used to work there for a couple of years on match days and when they won the GF - still they have some ferals though

Carlton Cheats

Essendon Hate them with a passion - even though my best friend follows them and I loved Jimmy Hird.

Freo Not fussed either way

Geelong Don't like them

Hawthorn Always had a soft spot them - but no I will never forget '85

Melbourne Don't like them - although it makes for interesting times around my man - conversation goes along the lines of: Aren't Melbourne good babe? Yes Babe they are good - but not as good as the Dogs - blah blah.

North Melbourne Grew up in a North household - will always like them - although some of their supporters push my buttons

Port Adelaide They are ok - don't dislike them. Mark Williams cracks me up.

Richmond Hated them years ago and will always hate them. Thugs - hey umpire what was the number of the unknown player you reported? Try number 4. Little great nephew broke his Great Aunties heart - who do you like Lach - reply - TIGERS - AAHH

St Kilda Next! When I first came to Melb to live - I used to go to some of their games with a friend - so didn't mind them - until we both got to the PF - they are most ungracious pack of (insert whatever word you want here) - I have ever met. Love Rob Harvey though

Sydney Not fussed either way - glad they won the flag. Didn't like it when they 1st went to Sydney - they got everything.

West Coast Should be made to give back the flags - and leave the league. Bit harsh? Sorry - I have never known a club to have single handlely give the AFL such a bad reputation. Drug cheats

[katemeehan]

One team I dont mind is North Melbourne, except I agree with what somebody said earlier, Im a bit over the whole 'Shinboner Spirit'..gets dragged on a fair bit.

Collingwood, a natural hate. My family brought me up hating them and its only gotten stronger at school when half the year level goes for them and Im the Doggies supporter.

Melbourne & Essendon: A personal hate I still carry from primary school...bad memories of the 'footy days' we had once yearly. They ran the school...esp in 2000. Yet again, the only bulldogs supporter.

[katemeehan]

West Coast Should be made to give back the flags - and leave the league. Bit harsh? Sorry - I have never known a club to have single handlely give the AFL such a bag reputation. Drug cheats

niice. Im still disgusted about the comment one of them made to another player about their young daughter. Cant remember who it was, but they should be stomped on.

[LostDoggy]

Definately RICHMOND....

I dislike them with a passion.....not so much the team, mainly their supporters

[LostDoggy]

niice. Im still disgusted about the comment one of them made to another player about their young daughter. Cant remember who it was, but they should be stomped on.

It was Selwood, and if he did say it that was awful, but Headland's a moron as well.

[whythelongface]

I would have thought all other teams were our natural enemies. I really don't like any other team - though for some reason I sort of had a soft spot for the Roos this year (but at the same time I hate them with a passion - go figure).

When observing a neutral game of football I will take interest in the skills and the beauty of the game, but I generally don't find myself barracking for anyone - actually I lie - when I watch a Swans game i will go for the other team.

[Dry Rot]

- when I watch a Swans game i will go for the other team.

I know what you mean.

[mjp]

It was Selwood, and if he did say it that was awful, but Headland's a moron as well.

Actually, Headland is a good fella.

[LostDoggy]

WELL,
I hate Geelong. I live there, this year was pure torture, us ending up bottom four, them ending up PREMIERS. And I cop so much shit from their supporters. My main reason of hate for this club is the Geelong Advertiser. Even after they lost to us in Round 1 this year, the next day the Geelong Addy had a huge poster of Geelongs 'Round 1 Highlights'. Yeah, uh, they LOST THE GAME. Plus, I hate them cause they're good.

Richmond, ahh I could go on forever and ever about my hatred for the scums.
My hate began with the Libba/Knights deal, Wallace and Brown. Yes we all know the reasons behind this.

Adelaide. Yeah that was our flag!

St. Kilda. Mainly due to one player. Fraser Gherig. And their additional tossers, such as Riewoldt (also known as Alpaca), Milne etc.
There was a crazy elderly St Kilda suppoerter sitting next to me at the draw later this season. You know, the game where Gherig got ONE POSSESSION HAHAHAH. Anyway, she was absoloutely SCREAMING at Harris;
"YOU DIRTY BASTARD, YOU DIRTY BASTARD! DONT YOU TOUCH MY FRASER!"
Then leans across to me and demands; "Who is that number 36?!"
I'll reply "Brain Harris, he's awesome" (Get her more worked up)
"He's a DIRTY BASTARD, look at him! DONT TOUCH FRASER"
Hahah, she was crazy. Of course I immediately began to cheer on Harris.

Yeah I could list every team, but i'd only get too worked up. I focus my hate more on individual players. Adam Goodes, for starters. 2006 Brownlow, enough said.
Oh and I have fairly shallow reasons for hating players. Gary Ablett Jr, cause he looks like his dad. Buckley, because he's Nathan Buckley.

[The Coon Dog]

Oh and I have fairly shallow reasons for hating players.

Remind me never to get on the wrong side of you! ;)

[LostDoggy]

St. Kilda. Mainly due to one player. Fraser Gherig. And their additional tossers, such as Riewoldt (also known as Alpaca), Milne etc.
There was a crazy elderly St Kilda suppoerter sitting next to me at the draw later this season. You know, the game where Gherig got ONE POSSESSION HAHAHAH. Anyway, she was absoloutely SCREAMING at Harris;
"YOU DIRTY BASTARD, YOU DIRTY BASTARD! DONT YOU TOUCH MY FRASER!"
Then leans across to me and demands; "Who is that number 36?!"
I'll reply "Brain Harris, he's awesome" (Get her more worked up)
"He's a DIRTY BASTARD, look at him! DONT TOUCH FRASER"
Hahah, she was crazy. Of course I immediately began to cheer on Harris.


Haha, great...wasn't that the game where Gehrig got 1 mark, no possessions? What a game for Fraser.

[Scorlibo]

I've always thought that Essendon games are pretty intense, with the whole Essendon, Footscray neighbouring suburbs thing.

Also Adelaide - nothing pleases me more than to beat that lot of '97 preliminary final unworthies who only won because of that goal umpire who obviously forgot his glasses.

And the saints are another one, we always seem to get into brawls with the sainters - usually sparked by a Gehrig-Harris tussle - and yet they are also, strangely, a friend in that they also have won just one premiership and are the underdogs of the competition sort of thing, along with us and the roos I'd say.

[LostDoggy]

Haha, great...wasn't that the game where Gehrig got 1 mark, no possessions? What a game for Fraser.

Hahah thats it! HILARIOUS.

[bornadog]

I've always thought that Essendon games are pretty intense, with the whole Essendon, Footscray neighbouring suburbs thing. .

Based on true traddition (not made up like these days) and history, Essendon are our natural enemies. Back when we were domintant in the VFA (the first real competition), Essendon kept us out by influencing the VFL. Finally, when it was decided that more teams had to be added to the VFL, we were forced as premiers of the VFA, to play the premiers of the VFL (Essendon), to prove we were good enough to join, and we beat them to be champions of Victoria.

Essendon have always had it in for us and are tradditionally our enemies, but the so called power brokers at the AFL, never recognize it in any rival rounds etc.

[Twodogs]

Based on true traddition (not made up like these days) and history, Essendon are our natural enemies. Back when we were domintant in the VFA (the first real competition), Essendon kept us out by influencing the VFL. Finally, when it was decided that more teams had to be added to the VFL, we were forced as premiers of the VFA, to play the premiers of the VFL (Essendon), to prove we were good enough to join, and we beat them to be champions of Victoria.

Essendon have always had it in for us and are tradditionally our enemies, but the so called power brokers at the AFL, never recognize it in any rival rounds etc.




They also went to the trouble of making up bribery accusations against us. They were proven to be false but they've entered the folklore of footy and are just assumed to be accurate these days.



For me, though, it's North. Theyre the only club we have a solid 125 year record of playing year in, year out.

[hujsh]

This was on the clubs website

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/season2009/news/newsarticle/tabid/4112/newsid/78504/default.aspx

Apparently St.Kilda are our biggest rivals,

Do people believe this because we play the rivalry round against each other?

[boydogs]

This was on the clubs website

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/season2009/news/newsarticle/tabid/4112/newsid/78504/default.aspx

Apparently St.Kilda are our biggest rivals,

Do people believe this because we play the rivalry round against each other?

Yeah saw that, raised an eyebrow or two. Is someone just stacking the votes? I'm thinking ladder position would be the biggest reason

[Desipura]

Thanks TCD for the trip down memory lane, was a great read. I thought you would hate Melbourne for replacing us in the finals in 1987 by beating us at home in round 22.

[Mofra]

Apparently St.Kilda are our biggest rivals
I know a few years back alot of the players hated St Kilda - might have been the Steven Lawrence era though so totally understandable.

Carlton have taken the lead as my most hated team.

[craigsahibee]

I follow the Bulldogs and the rest can go to hell.

[Sockeye Salmon]

I follow the Bulldogs and the rest can go to hell.

There are two teams in the comp.

Those that are the Bulldogs and those that aren't.



I don't feel any better getting beaten by St. Kilda rather than Carlton.

[LostDoggy]

No No No. We can't hate anyone, we can't boo anyone.

We all need to hold hands and have mutual respect for one another.

[The Coon Dog]

No No No. We can't hate anyone, we can't boo anyone.

We all need to hold hands and have mutual respect for one another.
Do you ever post anything worthwhile, or is it just constant shit stirring? You're becoming boring DH.

[LostDoggy]

Do you ever post anything worthwhile, or is it just constant shit stirring? You're becoming boring DH.

If you don't like it, go back to Russia.

[The Coon Dog]

If you don't like it, go back to Russia.

I have no idea what you mean by that. I have never been to Russia, but my point stands. Try to contribute instead of just posting rubbish, surely you're better than that.

[LostDoggy]

Not really. I'm a cynical c--t.

The happy-go-lucky positivity and back-slapping humanity of this forum makes me cringe.

Whilst it has not been my aim to provide this place with renewed cynicism (which in my view should be the natural emotional state for any Footscray supporter), I just can't help it. Consider me the yang to your ying, or perhaps the dark side of the moon. You can't have one without the other, etc.

Carry on.

[aker39]

Try to contribute instead of just posting rubbish, surely you're better than that.


No he's not TCD.

He's just a shit stirrer.

[LostDoggy]

He's just a shit stirrer.

"JUST?!"

Just a shit stirrer?

I'm also a part-time wrestler.

[Mofra]

The happy-go-lucky positivity and back-slapping humanity of this forum makes me cringe.
You didn't read the Stack to debut thread?

[LostDoggy]

Yeah, read it. Would have replied but someone closed the thread.

[Mantis]

"JUST?!"

Just a shit stirrer?

I'm also a part-time wrestler.

And a full-time dick-head.

I'm all for offering different views, but your petty comments in this and other threads are laughable.

[LostDoggy]

And a full-time dick-head.

I'm all for offering different views, but your petty comments in this and other threads are laughable.

Cool post.

[aker39]

Yeah, read it. Would have replied but someone closed the thread.


Were you too busy with your part time job to post a reply in the 6 days that the thread was open.

I think it's more to do with your full time job.

[hujsh]

If you don't like it, go back to Russia.

Straight from the Cold war era comeback book.

Just in case you didn't know the Soviet Union doesn't exist anymore, Russia is democratic and Communism is no longer the countries greatest threat.

[LostDoggy]

:eek: Thanks for the tip.

Actually, Russia is anything but democratic. The former USSR's powerbrokers (read: Communist party officials) basically became the country's capitalist class and the shift in power was sideways and not as democratic as most think. In fact, contemporary Russia is haunted by corruption. Glasnost was pretty monumental, and it shattered the state apparatus that used to control everything - but many Russians now yearn for a return to the days of official and brutal authoritarianism. Some people even think Russians are conditioned to being ruled by an iron fist, though I'm not convinced.

[Mofra]

Some people even think Russians are conditioned to being ruled by an iron fist, though I'm not convinced.
The events of October 1917 (heck, even 1905) would suggest the Russian populace (like most peoples) will only tolerate so much before change is forced upon the ruling classes. Unfortunately today the measures of population control are less obvious (read: Friedmanesque) which creates a vacuum of obvious opponents to rally against.

In any case, surely the Chinese would have been a better example? Burmese? Pinochet-era Chileans?

[Desipura]

here we go, let the history lessons begin....:rolleyes:

[LostDoggy]

The events of October 1917 (heck, even 1905) would suggest the Russian populace (like most peoples) will only tolerate so much before change is forced upon the ruling classes. Unfortunately today the measures of population control are less obvious (read: Friedmanesque) which creates a vacuum of obvious opponents to rally against.

I would agree ol' chap. However, the 1917 revolution despite being won in the name of the proletariat; was driven by bourgeois intelligentsia who depsite their noble intentions, ended up creating an authoritarian regime. A mere substitution of power from the Tsar to the Bolsheviks was what took place (notwithstanding the short reign of the Provisional Government).

The October revolution actually ran contrary to the Marxist premise of a people's uprising. For that we can thank Lenin and his steadfast belief in the idea of a vanguard party to lead the workers and peasants into a socialist paradise, rather than them leading themselves.

[LostDoggy]

I would agree ol' chap. However, the 1917 revolution despite being won in the name of the proletariat; was driven by bourgeois intelligentsia who depsite their noble intentions, ended up creating an authoritarian regime. A mere substitution of power from the Tsar to the Bolsheviks was what took place (notwithstanding the short reign of the Provisional Government).

The October revolution actually ran contrary to the Marxist premise of a people's uprising. For that we can thank Lenin and his steadfast belief in the idea of a vanguard party to lead the workers and peasants into a socialist paradise, rather than them leading themselves.

Where were you today when I had my History exam?!

[Throughandthrough]

Any historians here?

I still want to know what the Dogs v Dees rivalry was like in the mid fifties.

Anyways, back to the topic.

Pretty sure in the Footscray History Book it discusses this and points the bone @ Barrassi.


Something about Barassi living in the Dogs zone, and we thought we were a monty to get him, but Melbourne pulled a swifty and stole him from under our noses.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Anyways, back to the topic.

Pretty sure in the Footscray History Book it discusses this and points the bone @ Barrassi.


Something about Barassi living in the Dogs zone, and we thought we were a monty to get him, but Melbourne pulled a swifty and stole him from under our noses.

Seeing Barassi Snr played for Melbourne and after he died in WWII Barassi was practically taken in by Norm Smith, I'd say we were never a chance in hell of getting him.

[hujsh]

Actually, Russia is anything but democratic. The former USSR's powerbrokers (read: Communist party officials) basically became the country's capitalist class and the shift in power was sideways and not as democratic as most think. In fact, contemporary Russia is haunted by corruption. Glasnost was pretty monumental, and it shattered the state apparatus that used to control everything - but many Russians now yearn for a return to the days of official and brutal authoritarianism. Some people even think Russians are conditioned to being ruled by an iron fist, though I'm not convinced.

Hey man, if Wikipedia says their democratic, then they must be democratic;)