2014 Membership Tally

[Eastdog]

Current 2014 Western Bulldogs Membership Tally as of 15/11/2013: 13,327

Ill be renewing soon but I believe that is a bit higher than the same time last year.

[LostDoggy]

I think mid December is when renewals are due. How are other clubs faring at this stage?

[Eastdog]

I think mid December is when renewals are due. How are other clubs faring at this stage?

Friday 13th December 2013 5pm is the reserved seat cut off date Danstar. If we hold a reserved seat which I do we must renew by that date.

Western Bulldogs Membership update: 13,599

[Eastdog]

Just renewed. Can't wait till next year. Go Dogs 2014!

Latest Western Bulldogs Membership Tally: 13,926

[Eastdog]

14,153

[always right]

14,153

As of yesterday five of those are my immediate family's. Normally sign up at East West day but I've gone early this time. Probably reflects my optimism.

[Eastdog]

As of yesterday five of those are my immediate family's. Normally sign up at East West day but I've gone early this time. Probably reflects my optimism.

I'm proud to say now that I'm 1 of those 14,153 that have signed up. I'm optimistic about next year as well particularly with what I saw in the latter part of 2013. Still a long way to go but I'm confident we will get there.

[Eastdog]

Current 2014 Membership Tallies for clubs so far

From Big Footy

Collingwood Magpies - >50,000
Hawthorn Hawks - 37, 176
Richmond Tigers - 35, 208
Port Adelaide - 25, 596
Carlton Blues - 20, 447
Melbourne Demons - 19, 682
North Melbourne - 15, 537
Western Bulldogs - 14, 153
St. Kilda - 13, 345
West Coast - 10, 408
Brisbane Lions - 8, 141
Essendon Bombers - 5, 508 [ROLLOVER END OF NOV]
Gold Coast FC - 5, 731
GWS Giants - 3, 709
Geelong Cats - N/A
Adelaide Crows - N/A
Sydney Swans - N/A
Fremantle Dockers - N/A

[LostDoggy]

5 of our family signed/paid up ready for a new season

[LostDoggy]

We're beating Stkilda! and not far behind Norf :cool:

[1eyedog]

Be interesting to see Bomber member numbers for next next year.

[Eastdog]

14,793

Getting close to 15,000 members.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

We're beating Stkilda! and not far behind Norf :cool:

The Roos factor is obviously working at Melbourne. Our task is to find another 10,000 members to move out of the drip feed from the AFL. Our focus on the Western region is failing to lift our membership significantly.

[BRG1993]

15,481

[Eastdog]

15,481

Bit of a spike which is good. We are tracking very well so far.

[bornadog]

15,481

bit higher than last year at the same time as reported by Eastdog



One of the moderators could sticky this thread. Our membership tally so far stands at 12,654.

[always right]

Wonder how much this is due to more people signing up for auto-renewal.

[Eastdog]

16,321

[Danny the snakeman]

Got my membership pack delivered today,the usual crap but I liked the cap. I do wish the 2014 member sticker was bigger.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

My wife, son and I got our packs today.
Look, I'd still sign up every year even if all they sent me was a red, white and blue coloured Bulldog turd, but I was a little bit peeved at the so called baby blanket that came with my son's membership. It looks suspiciously similar to the blanket we used to get with our pet membership.

[LostDoggy]

My wife, son and I got our packs today.
Look, I'd still sign up every year even if all they sent me was a red, white and blue coloured Bulldog turd, but I was a little bit peeved at the so called baby blanket that came with my son's membership. It looks suspiciously similar to the blanket we used to get with our pet membership.Hahaha. I couldn't help but laugh at your comment.

In regards to the sticker, I haven't got it yet. But they need to make it bigger and UV resistant.

[always right]

A bit off-topic but I have a work colleague who has a cousin/nephew? (I think) working in membership at the bulldogs having previously worked at Collingwood. Whilst still a dyed in the wool Woods supporter he is loving his time at the dogs who he has found welcoming and supportive. He loves the place.

Apparently players are required to make themselves known to all staff at the club and the feeling is one of inclusiveness and everyone heading in a common direction. I gather from what I've been told, this was not necessarily the case at Collingwood.

I guess this is the difference between a club overflowing with resources and one trying to achieve ultimate success with limited resources to do so. Appears to be a great culture at the dogs driven on-field and off. Kudos to Gordon, Garlick and Macca.

[KT31]

Hahaha. I couldn't help but laugh at your comment.

In regards to the sticker, I haven't got it yet. But they need to make it bigger and UV resistant.

Old sticker used to go on the inside of the car window, why can't we have them back ?

[LostDoggy]

Old sticker used to go on the inside of the car window, why can't we have them back ?

Yeh I was thinking of that to, maybe effected the "Rear Demist" lol

I think this year I might laminate the top layer to protect it for a little longer.

[robb]

Can add three memberships with seats to the tally.

The sign at club says over 16,000 to date. The membership guy thinks that 35,000 is achievable.

Watched training for a few hours. Was surprised how big the list is. The intensity of training was also a surprise. At one stage I thought it was on with griffin and grant. Great stuff!

[Scraggers]

Hahaha. I couldn't help but laugh at your comment.

In regards to the sticker, I haven't got it yet. But they need to make it bigger and UV resistant.

I received my East Fremantle membership pack one month before my Bulldogs pack. The East Freo sticker is still on my back windscreen, in pristine condition. You can guess the condition of my Bulldogs membership sticker :(

[Eastdog]

My membership tracker status: Dispatched and should be in the mail within the next 7 to 10 days.


16,712

[mighty_west]

I received my East Fremantle membership pack one month before my Bulldogs pack. The East Freo sticker is still on my back windscreen, in pristine condition. You can guess the condition of my Bulldogs membership sticker :(

The quality of our bumper stickers have quite often been appalling, the 2013 version is shocking and will require soap and a blade to remove, and will be a crumbling mess.

[Murphy'sLore]

Is the sticker inside the membership booklet in the member's pack supposed to be a bumper sticker? It's very small.

[comrade]

It'd be great if we could get an ongoing year vs year (2014 vs 2013) comparison.

[Cyberdoggie]

Are we counting 3 game memberships as members these days?

If not then we have to remove one from the number :(
Had to scale back the wife's membership for next year due to off-field commitments (Adding another addition to the family early in the new year)

But the good news will hopefully mean another bulldog member for the future.

I wonder if that classifies for Gathering the Pack discount incentives for me? :)

If not then there is another marketing angle the club could try.
Converting or creating your family into bulldog members!
Bonus points for conversion from another club because your successfully reducing their numbers.

[LostDoggy]

Is the sticker inside the membership booklet in the member's pack supposed to be a bumper sticker? It's very small.

Yes, just got my pack the other day.....Very very tiny....

[bulldogtragic]

My membership tracker status: Dispatched and should be in the mail within the next 7 to 10 days.


16,712
Collingwood 60,000

[Eastdog]

Got my membership pack on Tursday.

17,315

[Eastdog]

Collingwood 60,000

It's a big figure. We can only dream of getting that figure especially at this stage. Our highest ever membership was between 34k-35k.

[LostDoggy]

Collingwood 60,000

Think this way: When Collingwood makes a club decision, they have to appease between 60k and 80k people. We only have to appease 30k at best. Like a corporate giant, sometimes the more agile albeit smaller companies are able to get an advantage, if not in size then flexibility and agility. This is where we need to compete.

[always right]

Looking at the positive......only 30,000 bulldogs members with potential mental issues caused by so many decades of disappointment instead of 60,000. It has to be good for society to have 30,000 less people on the streets likely to do something deranged.

[Eastdog]

17,742

[Eastdog]

18,033

Highest ever membership tally was in 2010: 34,842

We are a good chance to break that record.

[Hotdog60]

This could be some optimism from our finish to this season. In the games we won trailing off in the 2nd half was very exciting stuff so why wouldn't you jump on-board.:)

We need to start next season with a bang and the numbers will swell.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

We've broken the 20,000 barrier.
Next door neighbour just moved in and had a baby the same week. He looks part Maori or south sea islander, so may not have an AFL team. Good chance to recruit him to the Dogs. I'll take a beer and flowers over.

[azabob]

We've broken the 20,000 barrier.
Next door neighbour just moved in and had a baby the same week. He looks part Maori or south sea islander, so may not have an AFL team. Good chance to recruit him to the Dogs. I'll take a beer and flowers over.

And a membership form in the back pocket! :)

[bulldogtragic]

I love that Stew is on membership stuff already while Essendon are pulping their version with him in it!

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

Is the font getting bigger as the membership gets bigger?

[Eastdog]

18,995

[Eastdog]

Is the font getting bigger as the membership gets bigger?

I just put the membership figure whatever it is up in the biggest font and in bold.

[bornadog]

We've broken the 20,000 barrier.
.


18,995

which is correct?

[Eastdog]

which is correct?

The 18,995 figure I believe as that's what currently it says on our membership website. Not sure where the 20,000 figure was from.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

The 18,995 figure I believe as that's what currently it says on our membership website. Not sure where the 20,000 figure was from.

That would be my wishful thinking. Sorry, I read 18,995 as 19,995 and anticipated that 5 had signed up since the last update.
As you were 18,995 it is.:o

[Eastdog]

19,199

[F'scary]

*This*unit*has*renewed*membership*today*

2*x*QTY*Bulldogs*Backyard*was*also*purchased*

[azabob]

*This*unit*has*renewed*membership*today*

2*x*QTY*Bulldogs*Backyard*was*also*purchased*

Good work.

Now over 20,000 members.

[Eastdog]

20,072


Good to get past the 20,000 mark. Hopefully some more signed up at the East West Day. Hoping we can get over 30K - what will help will be a good pre season and start to the Home and Away season.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

20,072


Good to get past the 20,000 mark. Hopefully some more signed up at the East West Day. Hoping we can get over 30K - what will help will be a good pre season and start to the Home and Away season.

This is now a 2,000 increase on last year, which represents an additional $400,000 according to a club source. Members have also weighed in with an extra $200,000 to assist in establishing our own VFL team which is another positive sign.

[Go_Dogs]

Great to see the number climbing.

If we do OK in the NAB games, we may get a better than expected result this year.

[Eastdog]

20,379

[Cyberdoggie]

Would be interested to know the base membership numbers of each clubs and ratio of that to total membership numbers.

I think we seem to always be around the 15k mark in november. So we basically have to double our membership number from people that don't sign up automatically.
Collingwood were 60k odd in december from memory so their base seems a higher than 50% ratio.

I know socioeconomic factors would weigh into this but i'm guessing we would have the lowest ratio of all clubs.

[Eastdog]

12/02/2014 - 21,289

[Eastdog]

13/02/2014 - 21,436

[bulldogtragic]

Thanks for the updates Easty, much appreciated.

[azabob]

Thanks for the updates Easty, much appreciated.

Easty is actually EastDogs real name... ;)

[LostDoggy]

21,540

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

21,540

We need bigger fonts

[Scraggers]

We need bigger fonts

We need bigger membership numbers :(

[Eastdog]

We need bigger membership numbers :(

Agree with that. I wonder what membership numbers are like at the other clubs compared to our number. Do you think the Blitz the West campaign will get more on board or not as many as we hoped for.

[Ghost Dog]

Have we discussed this? International Membership - the Dawks have one. Enables you to subscribe to AFL TV, they send you a scarf. Sure the diaspora of Dogs folk would be into that. We could generate an easy 200+ memberships that way I'm sure.

[Twodogs]

Have we discussed this? International Membership - the Dawks have one. Enables you to subscribe to AFL TV, they send you a scarf. Sure the diaspora of Dogs folk would be into that. We could generate an easy 200+ memberships that way I'm sure.


We could even market our colours and get a few natives from the USA and the UK on board I reckon. A Red, white and blue branded club might generate a bit of interest.

[Bulldog4life]

We could even market our colours and get a few natives from the USA and the UK on board I reckon. A Red, white and blue branded club might generate a bit of interest.

I have often thought of this myself Twodogs. Why not go further and target natives from all Countries with red, white & blue flags.

[Greystache]

We could even market our colours and get a few natives from the USA and the UK on board I reckon. A Red, white and blue branded club might generate a bit of interest.

Especially with a Bulldog as our mascot and our historic ties to working class English immigrants. I've thought it's something we should've been targeting for some time.

[Twodogs]

I have often thought of this myself Twodogs. Why not go further and target natives from all Countries with red, white & blue flags.


That was the next thing I was going to suggest! :cool:

[Twodogs]

Especially with a Bulldog as our mascot and our historic ties to working class English immigrants. I've thought it's something we should've been targeting for some time.


We have a really compelling story to share with the World, don't we? Even our tragic story could work to our benefit-"get on board with the bulldogs in their long standing quest for success. Are you the person who could get us over the line?"

[bulldogtragic]

I'm hoping we are not the first bulldogs people to be thinking about this...

I'm all for a game in Texas, the 'Wild West Derby'. GWS vs Western Bullbugs, were RW&B so should have something and PR people can set up grudge stories about stealing our gun player and future captain and one of our favourite sons as their coach. Also has the Melbourne vs Sydney thing. Plus in the next few years we should both be decent teams so the contest should be entertaining, our hard hitting mids and their gorilla forward line.

[Ghost Dog]

There are lots of expats like myself, for who there is no real membership option.

[bornadog]

There are lots of expats like myself, for who there is no real membership option.

I was an expat for 7 years in Asia and bought a full family membership even though I was lucky to go to one match every year.

[LostDoggy]

We need bigger fonts

We're a thoughtful club, looking out for the visually impaired fans amongst us.

[Ghost Dog]

Yes Yes, but we know you would tattoo your testicles red white and blue for charity if you had to.^_^
I think if the Hawks and other clubs have created an international membership option, we should watch it closely.

[bornadog]

Yes Yes, but we know you would tattoo your testicles red white and blue for charity if you had to.^_^
I think if the Hawks and other clubs have created an international membership option, we should watch it closely.

So true :D

Good idea to have a special package, something like the country membership we have now, but more specific to expats and others overseas.

[Scraggers]

There are lots of expats like myself, for who there is no real membership option.

I'll disagree with you there.

I've been a member for 17 years (another 12 years before that to, but not consecutively). For all of those 17 years, I have been living in WA. If I'm lucky, I get to see one live game a year.

The membership I purchase is not about what I get out out of it; I'm not interested in value for money ... its about how I can help the club. It's not a huge contribution, but in some small way, I feel I'm helping.

[AndrewP6]

Yes Yes, but we know you would tattoo your testicles red white and blue for charity if you had to.^_^
I think if the Hawks and other clubs have created an international membership option, we should watch it closely.


So true :D

Good idea to have a special package, something like the country membership we have now, but more specific to expats and others overseas.

Is this a (rather painful) nod to the tattooed testicles idea? :eek: :D

[Cyberdoggie]

Membership total update: 22,140

[bornadog]

Membership total update: 22,140

This is really woeful by our supporter base when compared to other teams. Makes m feel sick in the stomach that we aren't well over 30,000 by now.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Yeah it's a depressing number.

[Go_Dogs]

This is really woeful by our supporter base when compared to other teams. Makes m feel sick in the stomach that we aren't well over 30,000 by now.

We've still got a lot of work to do, but all things considered, we're tracking about as well as one could've hoped at this stage of the year considering repeat bottom 4 finishes and possibly the worst ever draw for attendances yet.

Hopefully a win tonight and the intra-club game we can see some more jump on board.

By comparison, we were at 20,587 this time last year, so we have made a slight improvement.

[bulldogtragic]

This is really woeful by our supporter base when compared to other teams. Makes m feel sick in the stomach that we aren't well over 30,000 by now.

The reality is that these figures are unsustainable. Chris Grant can't hand out flyers at every train station every say, and Peter can't keep chipping in millions of dollars each year. I firmly believe in some matters of government (etc) that it takes people to die to show that's something needs to change, not just common sense to avoid it. For the 30,000 non renewing members over the past 7 years, I'm sure they will be outraged and say the won't follow us when we sell more games, or go the Tassie option or just get treated worse in the comp. We shouldn't have to have a fight back style event again to get people who 'support' us to re-join. There is no real silver lining here, except maybe that St Kilda haven't jumped at the Tassie option to cover their costs to get out of Seaford.

[mighty_west]

This is really woeful by our supporter base when compared to other teams. Makes m feel sick in the stomach that we aren't well over 30,000 by now.

One of the main reasons I prefer us winning pre season games, as a supporter base our club will always be behind the 8-ball in regards to membership numbers, unfortunately alot of so called supporters do hold the club to ransom depending on how the side is travelling, and many take pre season results literally.

[G-Mo77]

I really don't have an issue with the membership numbers. Yeah I'd love it to be higher but the reality is we have a low supporter base and we're rebuilding, start stringing some wins together and the numbers will grow. IMO our membership department have done a wonderful job over the last 2 seasons. Even though our membership numbers are small it's a strong foundation standing.

Try a half glass full for a change. You just might enjoy it.

[bulldogtragic]

I really don't have an issue with the membership numbers. Yeah I'd love it to be higher but the reality is we have a low supporter base and we're rebuilding, start stringing some wins together and the numbers will grow. IMO our membership department have done a wonderful job over the last 2 seasons. Even though our membership numbers are small it's a strong foundation standing.

Try a half glass full for a change. You just might enjoy it.

My glass is completely full on just about everything within the club at the moment (maybe overflowing), with the exception of our membership. The myth of the western suburbs growth leading to more membership is not transpiring. The belief wins will make a serious or long term is a fallacy. At the peak of our last successful period 5 years ago, it went up by a relatively small margin and fell as soon as we dropped back to the lowest membership in the AFL outside the expansion clubs. Cam Rose told me 8 or so years ago our major issue was membership retention, that we were losing around 15% annually. On comments attributed to President Peter Gordon recently, this problem still exists (circa losing 6,000 members annually still). There are no criticisms of the club, if there is a criticism it's with the mentality of some of our followers. The fact of a poor fixture, with games on Sunday arvo that will struggle for bums on seats does nothing for attracting potential sponsors.

So being concerned about membership based on actual knowledge of our circumstances and based on historical trends doesn't make anybody half full or half empty. I think the tone of WOOF has been exceedingly positive since late last season, but labelling those who have concerns about any aspect of footy and who can articulately state why they are concerned, and there actually bring a basis for same, as being negative or 'half empty' is unhelpful. If you don't agree that's fine, but not agreeing you doesn't make anyone anything.

[boydogs]

Not doing our membership drive any favours with the fadeout tonight

[GVGjr]

All, I've cleared off a few posts that weren't in the spirit of the thread.
For those concerned send me a PM if you want to discuss.

[Cyberdoggie]

While it is depressing we are on the road to being a more professional organization.
If we just get the wins on the field and play footy that entertains, more members will come.
Of course winning a premiership would do wonders.....

[LostDoggy]

Bloody St Kilda are ahead of us

[bornadog]

Bloody St Kilda are ahead of us

St Kilda have a massive following, but like the dogs supporters, they are fickle and only buy memberships when they know they have a chance to make finals.

The real worry is North. They would have the lowest amount of support in Australia, yet they are 5k up on us.

[Eastdog]

22,689

[Eastdog]

You guys might be interested in this

From the 2014 Corporate Guide

2013 Membership

30,232 members and 130,000 fans

Top Suburbs our members and fans reside

1. Werribee
2. West Footscray
3. Tarneit
4. Footscray
5. Caroline Springs
6. Sunshine
7. Altona Meadows
8. Williamstown
9. Melton
10. St Albans

[bulldogtragic]

You guys might be interested in this

From the 2014 Corporate Guide

2013 Membership

30,232 members and 130,000 fans

Top Suburbs our members and fans reside

1. Werribee
2. West Footscray
3. Tarneit
4. Footscray
5. Caroline Springs
6. Sunshine
7. Altona Meadows
8. Williamstown
9. Melton
10. St Albans

Thanks ED, interesting. We are indeed quite a small club, 130,000 with less than 25% membership conversion seems very, very, low.

[Eastdog]

Thanks ED, interesting. We are indeed quite a small club, 130,000 with less than 25% membership conversion seems very, very, low.

Would interesting to see the amount of members and fans of the Bulldogs in the other suburbs of Melbourne which are outside the western region.

[Axe Man]

Thanks ED, interesting. We are indeed quite a small club, 130,000 with less than 25% membership conversion seems very, very, low.

Really? I would have thought we would have one of the better member to fan ratios in the league? I don't have any figures to back it up but if you compare us to Collingwood who would probably have something like 1 million fans and 70,000 - 80,000 members.

[bulldogtragic]

Really? I would have thought we would have one of the better member to fan ratios in the league? I don't have any figures to back it up but if you compare us to Collingwood who would probably have something like 1 million fans and 70,000 - 80,000 members.

Yeah axe man. I probably wasn't clear, I was focused on the 130,000 base figure, than the transitional figure. As you say statistically our transition rate may be higher, but coming off what seems a honestly and very surprisingly low base it should. I am genuinely shocked by 130,000 fans, I'm not sure what I expected it to be, but I'm flummoxed by that number, really, genuinely taken a back.

[Greystache]

Thanks ED, interesting. We are indeed quite a small club, 130,000 with less than 25% membership conversion seems very, very, low.

Really? I would've thought it was the highest in the AFL, if not at least in the top 3. Just as our churn rate of members is probably the lowest. We have a very small supporter base, but we do an excellent job of converting them.

Use a couple of the big supported clubs as an example-

Richmond think they can secure 75,000 members if they can win a flag or at least play finals regularly. Yet a couple of years ago they were mid 30,000's. That means they have 45,000 keen and willing supprters waiting to jump on the band wagon.

Collingwood- I found out during Grand Final week 2011 that 11 people on my level alone at work supported Collingwood, and not one was a member, and not one had been to a game all year. But sure enough the scarves come up during finals.

Essendon grew their memeber base by 15,000 purely on the news that James Hird had accepted the coaching role.

The bigger clubs have infinitely more supporters that don't buy memberships, and a massive number that only buy memberships when times are good. We are incredibly lucky.

The reality is we haven't won a flag in 60 years, haven't played in a grand final in 50 years, have never finished top of the ladder ever, and haven't beaten a top 4 team in a final in 50 years. People just don't want to barrack for that team.

[Axe Man]

Yeah axe man. I probably wasn't clear, I was focused on the 130,000 base figure, than the transitional figure. As you say statistically our transition rate may be higher, but coming off what seems a honestly and very surprisingly low base it should. I am genuinely shocked by 130,000 fans, I'm not sure what I expected it to be, but I'm flummoxed by that number, really, genuinely taken a back.

I'm not sure where that 130,000 figure has come from but Roy Morgan in 2011 had our supporter base at 303,000. Link (http://www.roymorganonlinestore.com/News/1424---Swans,-Magpies-and-Lions-have-most-supporte.aspx)

[bulldogtragic]

I'm not sure where that 130,000 figure has come from but Roy Morgan in 2011 had our supporter base at 303,000. Link (http://www.roymorganonlinestore.com/News/1424---Swans,-Magpies-and-Lions-have-most-supporte.aspx)

Thats more like where my intuition was at.

[Eastdog]

23,503


A good start to the season will help that.

[Eastdog]

Club membership Tallies History from the Bulldogs membership website

2013 – 30,211
2012 – 30,007
2011 - 32,125
2010 – 34,842
2009 – 28,590
2008 – 28,306
2007 – 28,725
2006 – 26,042
2005 – 21,975
2004 – 19,295
2003 – 21,260
2002 – 20,838
2001 – 19.085
2000 – 18,056
1999 – 20,491
1998 – 20,064
1997 – 15,064
1996 – 10,650
1995 – 12,212
1994 – 9,339
1993 – 11,478
1992 – 9,311
1991 – 9,598
1990 – 10,983
1989 – 5,168
1988 – 5,351
1987 – 3,452
1986 – 8,433
1985 – 8,030
1984 – 6,491

[Go_Dogs]

Looking at the history it isn't too bad, but could be better.

There's a lot to be excited about and the club has really been driving our future as a focus. It appears that's proving difficult to translate to memberships, but the upshot is when we get back into finals I think we'll break a few records.

[Remi Moses]

The 2010 figure just shows when folk see a possible flag in the making they sign up.
Be interested with those numbers with a flag or two in the cabinet.

[Eastdog]

The 2010 figure just shows when folk see a possible flag in the making they sign up.
Be interested with those numbers with a flag or two in the cabinet.

Hopefully over 35,000 getting closer to 40,000.

[Eastdog]

​24,106

[Eastdog]

25,009

[bulldogtragic]

Is Essendon, despite the crap, over 40,000 already?

[KT31]

Is Essendon, despite the crap, over 40,000 already?

Just goes to show how many ignorant and naïve people are out there.

[bornadog]

25,009
As usual, the bandwagoners are not on board yet. Lets hope we win tomorrow so the disbelievers can be convinced to buy their memberships.

[jeemak]

I haven't signed up yet. Just not got around to it. Suppose I might today.

[bornadog]

I haven't signed up yet. Just not got around to it. Suppose I might today.

Get on the auto monthly and you never have to worry.

[Bulldog4life]

Get on the auto monthly and you never have to worry.

Yep that's the way to go for me too.

[KT31]

I haven't signed up yet. Just not got around to it. Suppose I might today.

This is not a crack at you Jee, or maybe it is, but Bulldogs for Life has been around for a couple of years now and would expect most who are critical of the membership total to be on-board.

[bulldogtragic]

Tonight just cost us a lot of members. Doh.

[G-Mo77]

Tonight just cost us a lot of members. Doh.

We'd win them back with a win next week.

[bulldogtragic]

We'd win them back with a win next week.

That's what I'm hoping for GMo. Griffen, Grant & Talia should help.

[1eyedog]

That's what I'm hoping for GMo. Griffen, Grant & Talia should help.

If we can get over North this week we'll increase our membership on game day the following week v Richmond.

[Bulldog4life]

That's what I'm hoping for GMo. Griffen, Grant & Talia should help.

Still 2 weeks off according to the HUN today.

[bulldogtragic]

Still 2 weeks off according to the HUN today.

Really? Damn.

[ledge]

I asked about bulldog for life they said they wanted my credit card, sorry I don't believe in them and never had one, so I said just take it out of my bank every week I give you the details, I do this with all my amenities, they said no you need a credit card, I wonder how many mners they lose refusing auto bank transfer.

[Greystache]

I asked about bulldog for life they said they wanted my credit card, sorry I don't believe in them and never had one, so I said just take it out of my bank every week I give you the details, I do this with all my amenities, they said no you need a credit card, I wonder how many mners they lose refusing auto bank transfer.

You must have a Visa/Mastercard attached to your ATM card surely? It's called a Visa debit.

Give them that and they'll accept it.

[bornadog]

You must have a Visa/Mastercard attached to your ATM card surely? It's called a Visa debit.

Give them that and they'll accept it.

Good point, and if he doesn't have one get one.

[Mantis]

We really need a good month on the field to lift our membership numbers.

We are currently about 3,000 lower than the next lowest Melb based club which is pretty alarming considering we were quite bullish about our prospects leading into the season and they (St.Kilda) were expected to be on the slide.

When compared to the rest we are missing out on big $$'s.

[jeemak]

This is not a crack at you Jee, or maybe it is, but Bulldogs for Life has been around for a couple of years now and would expect most who are critical of the membership total to be on-board.

Well I managed to get back on board prior to Sunday's game. Wasn't a matter of not wanting to or intending to sign up - I just hadn't gotten around to it. Like years past, it's normally something I get around to the week of the first round.

[KT31]

Well I managed to get back on board prior to Sunday's game. Wasn't a matter of not wanting to or intending to sign up - I just hadn't gotten around to it. Like years past, it's normally something I get around to the week of the first round.
Well done Jeemak, after rereading my post came across a bit harsh, I apologise if I offended.

[jeemak]

No stresses mate. My life admin is terrible, always falling behind with this sort of thing (I can procrastinate with the best of them, trust me).

[bulldogtragic]

No stresses mate. My life admin is terrible, always falling behind with this sort of thing (I can procrastinate with the best of them, trust me).

That's a fairly definitive statement. Have you thought that through? :)

[Eastdog]

25,481

[bulldogtragic]

25,481

f@$k thats depressing

[jeemak]

You'd hope for a spike in membership leading up to our first home game, and some folk to grab some at the ground on the way in (something which I've done).

[Eastdog]

You'd hope for a spike in membership leading up to our first home game, and some folk to grab some at the ground on the way in (something which I've done).

Do you have a reserved seat Level 1 jeemak or are you a GA member.

[bulldogtragic]

Fickle members who only want to pay to win or see good games have another reason to justify their non joining...

[LostDoggy]

After our loss I can say we have more bandwagon 'fans' then true supporters. People calling for the coaches head, saying they will never be a member again, etc. Just because of a loss.

Even though last weeks game was of poor standard, I don't care. My team is playing and I'm there supporting them. Not once did I think it was a poor game or that I didn't want to watch. Maybe if it was 2 other teams that I don't support were playing maybe I would think it was a poor game.

But anyway, first time sitting on my Level 1 Row A reserved seat and loved them. Also got a reserved seat for my 5 year old who loves waving the flag after every goal.

[Cyberdoggie]

So we've got about 450 odd members since round 1?

That's not great is it.
These slow starts to the season probably don't help.

The cost of going to the footy I'm sure is another reason for many.

[Eastdog]

26,047

[1eyedog]

26,047

That's a disappointing figure.

[Eastdog]

That's a disappointing figure.

We would be one of the clubs with the lowest membership out of the Victorian clubs.

[Mantis]

We would be one of the clubs with the lowest membership out of the Victorian clubs.

We are the lowest... Which is very poor.

St.Kilda's according to their website is just over 28,000, but this figure hasn't been updated for a week or so.

Melb & North are both over 32k.

[Eastdog]

We are the lowest... Which is very poor.

St.Kilda's according to their website is just over 28,000, but this figure hasn't been updated for a week or so.

Melb & North are both over 32k.

While its all very well and good in targeting the outer western region of Melbourne if we are not doing well then people in those areas who don't have a team yet will support another team. Really to get new supporters we have to be doing good on the field to gain new people who don't have a team yet to come and support us who don't all necessarily come from the western region. Richmond, Essendon are well supported everywhere and not just in there heartlands same with Collingwood.

[bulldogtragic]

Sorry to bang on again, but if we got a bucket load of cash, incentives, 11 games in Melbourne for members and played 6 games in Tassie, then we'd have another 5,000+ members (ie. 5,000 x $100 memberships = $500,000 perannum plus sponsorships). I love that Peter bleeds red, white and blue, but putting in a million with no exact guarantee is unfair. Faced with these membership numbers we can't compete at the level everyone really wants us to be at. If i was Football Tasmania i'd be harassing Simon Garlick right now and every week this season.

[bornadog]

Peter says signup


http://www.afl.com.au/video?guid=632532

[Eastdog]

26,549

[Eastdog]

Peter says signup


http://www.afl.com.au/video?guid=632532

That's some great passion from Peter there. Love it.

[chef]

Bit of a sad total.

[always right]

Hard to know what can be done. Economic impact or simply supporters giving up? I'm so sick of the club having to beg supporters to sign up every year.....it must gradually erode the the passion of those running the club.

[ledge]

A win against Carlton would be good

[Eastdog]

Hard to know what can be done. Economic impact or simply supporters giving up? I'm so sick of the club having to beg supporters to sign up every year.....it must gradually erode the the passion of those running the club.

If supporters are just giving up and they can afford a membership well they really need to be encouraged to sign on. I think economic impact is a genuine excuse for some because I'm sure there a lots of supporters out there who want to buy membership to support the club but simply can't afford it for certain reasons.

[Eastdog]

Tonight's performance wouldn't have helped membership. Hopefully there were people renewing or buying memberships before the match today.

[Eastdog]

26,820

Creeping up very slowly. If we want to get to 35K then another 8K-9K have to sign up. We need to at least get over 30K which I think we will.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

That's a pretty poor figure five rounds in.

Doubt we'll get to 30K.

Reality is it'll only increase when we become a top four side again.

[LostDoggy]

Hopefully a large amount of those are human, and not cats, dogs, horses, coffee tables etc.

[LostDoggy]

26,820

Creeping up very slowly. If we want to get to 35K then another 8K-9K have to sign up. We need to at least get over 30K which I think we will.

I doubt it. 29K tops based on the trend since round 1. Another game like last week and I couldn't see us getting close to that figure (30K)

[Eastdog]

Disappointing then if we don't reach 30K. Yeah we certainly need a good few weeks if we are going to reach that.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

That's a pretty poor figure five rounds in.

Doubt we'll get to 30K.

Reality is it'll only increase when we become a top four side again.

A poor draw to start the season didn't help in particular WCE in the West first up followed by North at Etihad which never draws well.
Also coming off two lean years ladder wise makes it difficult. I would think that around 30,000 might be as good as it will get this year.

[azabob]

Sad thing is this conversation repeats year after year.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

A poor draw to start the season didn't help in particular WCE in the West first up followed by North at Etihad which never draws well.
Also coming off two lean years ladder wise makes it difficult. I would think that around 30,000 might be as good as it will get this year.

Yep, which is disappointing given our great run of form late last year and the general 'feel/hype' around the club.

Last week was poor and still frustrates me but we're clearly heading in the right direction, it's a shame people only want to join the ride once you've reached the top.

[Murphy'sLore]

Yep, which is disappointing given our great run of form late last year and the general 'feel/hype' around the club.

Last week was poor and still frustrates me but we're clearly heading in the right direction, it's a shame people only want to join the ride once you've reached the top.

Especially since after that point, the only way is DOWN.

[Eastdog]

Especially since after that point, the only way is DOWN.

I mentioned this earlier but do you think some out there want to become members but can't because they are financially tight.

[lemmon]

In all honesty that figure really is piss poor, I think we've fallen behind St Kilda, Melbourne and North Melbourne

[bornadog]

26,820

Creeping up very slowly. If we want to get to 35K then another 8K-9K have to sign up. We need to at least get over 30K which I think we will.

This is about the same as last year. Pretty pathetic.

[bulldogtragic]

This is about the same as last year. Pretty pathetic.

Yep, we are going nowhere in a hurry. The only way to get a new market is a handful of matches in an AFL stronghold. I wonder if any Australian Island is looking for a team to play 6 games a year?

[Remi Moses]

As much as it pains me, I think it will happen.
We'll probably need the extra revenue of playing a few games interstate.

[Eastdog]

Yep, we are going nowhere in a hurry. The only way to get a new market is a handful of matches in an AFL stronghold. I wonder if any Australian Island is looking for a team to play 6 games a year?

I think like some have said its when we are doing well people jump on but the people that jump off when we are not doing well should stick with us still as that's when we need the most support. It's a shame but that's the reality. People who can't afford it as money may be tight is a genuine excuse but if you just give up and don't care and use that as a reason not to buy a membership and you can afford it then that's not an excuse.

[Murphy'sLore]

Eastdog, I'm sure finances are a genuine factor. Times are getting tighter and club membership is a luxury some feel they can't indulge.

[Eastdog]

Eastdog, I'm sure finances are a genuine factor. Times are getting tighter and club membership is a luxury some feel they can't indulge.

Do you think someday will get to the 40K mark. That would be great to see. We have gotten around 35K before so we are capable of that but would require 5K more to sign up.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Eastdog, I'm sure finances are a genuine factor. Times are getting tighter and club membership is a luxury some feel they can't indulge.

You can do a direct debit thing where you pay something like $5 a week? Might even be less, I'll stand corrected.

Either way, I don't think finance is the main reason.

[bulldogtragic]

You can do a direct debit thing where you pay something like $5 a week? Might even be less, I'll stand corrected.

Either way, I don't think finance is the main reason.

Do people say this about other clubs whose areas may be considered non-affluent? Collingwood and Richmond have lower socioeconomic factors in their eco-systems. Why are we the poor cousins? I hate people stereotyping us, have they tried to buy property around our heartland?

Sure there are people who struggle to get their memberships each year, but that as an excuse for why we are less than half the big clubs, really???

[Eastdog]

Do people say this about other clubs whose areas may be considered non-affluent? Collingwood and Richmond have lower socioeconomic factors in their eco-systems. Why are we the poor cousins? I hate people stereotyping us, have they tried to buy property around our heartland?

Sure there are people who struggle to get their memberships each year, but that as an excuse for why we are less than half the big clubs, really???

Yeah good post BT. When you put it like that then it really isn't an excuse. Would you say it's more like that people just give up.

[bornadog]

Yeah good post BT. When you put it like that then it really isn't an excuse. Would you say it's more like that people just give up.

People are sick and tired of not seeing the club in a GF, let alone a premiership. The last GF was in 1961, and most people have had a gut full. Only us diehards keep buying memberships.

[bulldogtragic]

People are sick and tired of not seeing the club in a GF, let alone a premiership. The last GF was in 1961, and most people have had a gut full. Only us diehards keep buying memberships.

Was at a neighbours the other night and they had about 8 young boys over with their son. 7 of them 'barrack' for a recent premier except for one lonely bulldog boy. His dad is trying to convince him not to lead a life of one of us tragics... Everyone loves a winner, and even more a premier as you say BAD.

[bornadog]

Was at a neighbours the other night and they had about 8 young boys over with their son. 7 of them 'barrack' for a recent premier except for one lonely bulldog boy. His dad is trying to convince him not to lead a life of one of us tragics... Everyone loves a winner, and even more a premier as you say BAD.

You know I hate that even more.

[Greystache]

People are sick and tired of not seeing the club in a GF, let alone a premiership. The last GF was in 1961, and most people have had a gut full. Only us diehards keep buying memberships.

Spot on.

If an independent observer looked at our club's lack of success over such an incredible length of time, and then saw we still can manage to sign up 30,000 paid members in a city of 4 million people that has 9 competing teams that have all been more successful, they would consider us a miracle.

I'm surprised there hasn't academic studies conducted to see if we have the most loyal support/unsuccessful history in world sport. We would be right up there.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Spot on.

If an independent observer looked at our club's lack of success over such an incredible length of time, and then saw we still can manage to sign up 30,000 paid members in a city of 4 million people that has 9 competing teams that have all been more successful, they would consider us a miracle.

I'm surprised there hasn't academic studies conducted to see if we have the most loyal support/unsuccessful history in world sport. We would be right up there.

Yep - all good points.

There's not many teams (that I can think of) that have delivered so little over such a length of time as us. Whilst it's frustrating for us diehards that more people don't sign up, reality is not everybody is a diehard, and 'general supporters' would rather spend their time and money on something that'll give back (joy/success etc) and not sit frustrated year after year at the overpriced footy with ridiculous time slots (4.40 games on Sunday).

[Murphy'sLore]

Spot on.

If an independent observer looked at our club's lack of success over such an incredible length of time, and then saw we still can manage to sign up 30,000 paid members in a city of 4 million people that has 9 competing teams that have all been more successful, they would consider us a miracle.

I'm surprised there hasn't academic studies conducted to see if we have the most loyal support/unsuccessful history in world sport. We would be right up there.

Totally agree, Stache. We should be congratulating ourselves on how high our membership is, considering our lack of success. It's astonishing we can scrape up 30,000-odd members really.

[Bulldog Joe]

Having attended the ANZAC game at the G, it highlights the value of exposure.

This is exposure that we just do not get and didn't get when we had good sides under Eade.

Essendon and Collingwood continue to get it even in unsuccesful periods. They also have better chances of recruiting free agents and retaining existing players because theycan get to play these games that are excluded from our playing list.

I estimate that it would be worth somewhere in the range of $4m annually just in increased membership and sponsorship.

It is absolutely unjust that this is allowed to continue.

Perhaps the clubs forced to pay the price for the ownership of Etihad, (without access to games like this) could be given an additional Salary Cap of maybe $1m annually, paid for by Collingwood and Essendon as their licence fee for ANZAC day.

[ledge]

We do get an equalisation fund but that doesn't get more members, neither would these two clubs giving us money.. It's about exposure in the end and getting more members.

[Eastdog]

We do get an equalisation fund but that doesn't get more members, neither would these two clubs giving us money.. It's about exposure in the end and getting more members.

Im not a big supporter of Good Friday footy but it would be great for a club like ours to get some of that exposure we are lacking.

[Eastdog]

27,589

[Ozza]

Spot on.

If an independent observer looked at our club's lack of success over such an incredible length of time, and then saw we still can manage to sign up 30,000 paid members in a city of 4 million people that has 9 competing teams that have all been more successful, they would consider us a miracle.

I'm surprised there hasn't academic studies conducted to see if we have the most loyal support/unsuccessful history in world sport. We would be right up there.

The Boston Red Sox had 86 years without winning the World Series (Curse of the Bambino) - they'd have to be number 1 wouldn't they! (All the while remaining with an enormous fan base world wide!).

[Greystache]

The Boston Red Sox had 86 years without winning the World Series (Curse of the Bambino) - they'd have to be number 1 wouldn't they! (All the while remaining with an enormous fan base world wide!).

Didn't they at least win their league title 4 times during that period but then lose the big dance?

86 years is a long time but we've not even been on the dance floor for 53 years.

[Remi Moses]

They have a city that supports the team though.

[LostDoggy]

Has anyone ever compiled a study in relation to supporters/barrackers as opposed to members? Membership is obviously very easy to gauge as it is measurable, but much more difficult to ascertain is the number of barrackers a team has and hence work out the ratios of which clubs have the highest correlation between support and membership.

It is clear that support is pretty stoic and will very rarely change once someone has decided upon a team, membership for a majority is also steadfast, but for a bracket rather volatile, going to grow and waiver with performance as a rule, and this is the case for every club in the league.

Based on this premise, if the correlation between support /membership stays the same with the added propensity to variation dependent uponperformance. The only true way to increase our membership base is to increase our supporter base, i.e we are only ever going to get a certain percentage ofour supporter pie, so we need to make the whole pie bigger.

Sounds pretty simplistic but it seems that all our efforts in recruiting membership is based around getting current Doggies barrackers tobecome members, stray dogs, etc. I don’t see this as the solution, I think we need to shift our mindset and start to recruit barrackers, who a percentage of,as we’ve discovered will become members by default. Hawthorn have executed thismagnificently well with their foray into Tasmania

Harder than it sounds? You bet! An overwhelming majority of Victorian residents already support an AFL team, and for most support cascadesdown the family tree, couple this with fact the larger clubs are those who get the majority of exposure is the reason weak clubs have and will continue to become perpetually weaker.

So where are our opportunities to increase the number ofbarrackers we have?

My view is it needs to be a consolidated relentless effortif the following areas;

Kids – As I said most will end up supporting their parent’s team, but every school in Western Melbourne, Ballarat, Stawell, Ararat, SwanHill, every year need to be visited by a couple of players, give them footycards, balls. Amazing from the “How did you barrack for the Dogs” thread howmany came through this avenue, put it on steroids, we’ve got 40 players on ourlist who get 4 months off a year!

Transients- Melbourne has more people move to it than anyother city in the world. Most of these nomads coming from northern states and all coming from overseas will not have a team they initially barrack for. I don’t know how we would do it whether we could do a deal with removalists, realestate agents, etc. But as many as we can get info for, send them a welcome toMelbourne pack complete with a rulebook, scarf, and a ticket to attend a homegame, would cost us bugger all but we would be the first exposure these guys get to footy, the early bird gets the worm.

Interstate Support – Been thinking about this and we need togrow and become a more national brand. Don’t know maybe we could do deals with complimentary brands, say the Canterbury Bulldogs, like a ‘bulldogs through and through’ campaign with reciprocal members rights on certain days, exposure oneach other websites, forums, etc.

I’m sure there are copious avenues to exposure out there butmy main point is that I don’t see that flogging the dead horse on the every barracker needs to be a member campaign ever being more than moderately successful (we’ve been doing it for years!)

Let’s get in the faces of the people who are yet to realise the pure heroin that is AFL football and bolt them on to the loyal base we already enjoy and build the mighty club we’ve always dreamt of………it won’t happen overnight, but with a concerted effort over a sustained period....maybe!

[bornadog]

Kids – As I said most will end up supporting their parent’s team, but every school in Western Melbourne, Ballarat, Stawell, Ararat, SwanHill, every year need to be visited by a couple of players, give them footycards, balls. Amazing from the “How did you barrack for the Dogs” thread howmany came through this avenue, put it on steroids, we’ve got 40 players on ourlist who get 4 months off a year!



Kids don't always follow what their parents follow, they are influenced by a number of factors:

1. Success on the field
2. Team their mates follow at school - so peer pressure
3. TV Exposure - I have no doubt in my mind, the ANZC day clash has swayed thousands of kids to follow Essendon and Collingwood. Then you have Friday night and other blockbusters and general free to air.
4. Team Colours - I know people in the Eastern suburbs that picked the dogs because of the colours - (this is low)
5. Theme Song - Tigers - kids love it

Agree the constant visiting schools, and being amongst the kids is a big factor as well.

I grew up in the Western Suburbs in the 60's in a brand new area called West Sunshine, and the club sent around free tickets for home games. When the teacher asked who wants a ticket, I would be the only one with my hand up. Its been happening for a long time. It was a golden opportunity to get all those new migrant fans to follow the dogs, but it just didn't happen.

On the other hand, the 2006 Finals against Collingwood, in front of 80,000 fans, the sea of Red White and Blue was amazing that day. Supporters are out there - hiding under rocks I guess

[Eastdog]

I live out in the eastern suburbs and taking the train in on game day it's always good to see quite a few Dogs fans coming to and from the game. When you went to school in Sunshine BAD was a lot of the class Dogs fans or were other teams more well supported.

[bornadog]

I live out in the eastern suburbs and taking the train in on game day it's always good to see quite a few Dogs fans coming to and from the game. When you went to school in Sunshine BAD was a lot of the class Dogs fans or were other teams more well supported.

Hardly a dogs fan in site

[Eastdog]

Hardly a dogs fan in site

I'm betting Collingwood was the most supported in your school in Sunshine.

[bornadog]

I'm betting Collingwood was the most supported in your school in Sunshine.

Probably - I was in West Sunshine, those days it was the outskirts of Melbourne. After our road was just paddocks.

[Eastdog]

Probably - I was in West Sunshine, those days it was the outskirts of Melbourne. After our road was just paddocks.

Do you think the Bulldogs Blitz that was done was a success or it didn't make much of a difference.

[Eastdog]

28,744

That's a considerable leap compared to when I last updated.

[Webby]

The Boston Red Sox had 86 years without winning the World Series (Curse of the Bambino) - they'd have to be number 1 wouldn't they! (All the while remaining with an enormous fan base world wide!).

The Boston-Cambridge-Newton area is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the United States. About the same size as Melbourne, and the Sox have it all to themselves. At least they have since the Braves left a lifetime ago. Not only that, but they made World Series throughout their drought and were perennially strong. Also, although I can't stand them, Boston have benefitted from being the NY Yankees big rival. So not quite the right comparison for the Dogs... And believe me, I've followed both clubs very closely for many years.

[Webby]

Oh, and just to follow up the above, Doggies = Chicago Cubs.

[Go_Dogs]

28,744

That's a considerable leap compared to when I last updated.

In the circumstances it's a fair number.

Well done to the club, and we should all give ourselves a pat on the back too.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

In the circumstances it's a fair number.

Well done to the club, and we should all give ourselves a pat on the back too.

Less than 30,000 is still no where it needs to be.
We suffer badly with poor scheduling of games by the AFL.
There is far too many Sunday twilight games.
Our lack of success in the past 3 years isn't helping. On field success over a sustained period still remains our biggest hope of building membership to a satisfactory level.

[bulldogtragic]

Less than 30,000 is still no where it needs to be.
We suffer badly with poor scheduling of games by the AFL.
There is far too many Sunday twilight games.
Our lack of success in the past 3 years isn't helping. On field success over a sustained period still remains our biggest hope of building membership to a satisfactory level.

Couldn't agree more, but I think it's only premierships to save us long term. Sub 40,000, let alone 30,000 is a lead weight around us, surviving on handouts means crap fixturing as the pay off I fear.

[Eastdog]

29,093

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

When we get to 30000 can we have a really big font?

[Eastdog]

When we get to 30000 can we have a really big font?

The current font size I'm using is the biggest one. Great to nearly reach 30K in a season where we are still in a developing phase. Lots to look forward in the coming years.

[Eastdog]

29,156

[Eastdog]

29,387

[F'scary]

when we get to 30000 can we have a really big font?

Roflmao :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Eastdog]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/carltons-membership-has-failed-to-reach-50000-while-western-bulldogs-struggle/story-fni5f5nx-1226937696811

Carlton’s membership has failed to reach 50,000 while Western Bulldogs struggle
JON RALPH HERALD SUN MAY 30, 2014 8:00PM

CARLTON’S membership total has flatlined well short of its 50,000 target, with president Stephen Kernahan imploring fans to get behind the club.

On pure membership figures, the Blues continue to trail well behind Collingwood, Hawthorn, Richmond and Essendon.

It saw Kernahan urge fans to lift the membership from 49,913 — a total that has grown by only 1000 memberships in the last six weeks.

The Blues used the 50,000 target as a lure for members to guarantee moving their home ground to the MCG, with departing CEO Greg Swann under heat given the lack of membership growth.

“We have won four of the last five games and we are not out of the woods, but we have our 150th year celebrations on June 14 and we would love the supporters to rally behind the club,’’ Kernahan said.

“We have still got a hell of a lot of home games coming up and we have had a hard fixture. We have four Sunday night games and we have played Thursday nights and Monday nights. It is a tough start to cop for our members, but the players have shown some grit and are getting back in form.”

The Blues argue they net similar revenue to other clubs from membership — $17 million last year — despite the lower numbers.

But they acknowledge some potential members are put off by the perception of millionaires running the club.

The challenging nature of the fixture was made known to the AFL last Tuesday, with Carlton wanting eight MCG home games next year — up from six.

“We did let them know about the early season fixture,’’Kernahan said.

“We like the marquee slots but it has been tough to get the corporates and make our members happy. Having said that, you don’t get a good fixture all the time, so we have to cop it sometimes.”

Western Bulldogs chief executive Simon Garlick said the club was still confident of making a small profit despite being last on the membership tally with 29,333 members.

“We will probably end up at around 31,500 which is not where we thought we would be, but we will continue to push for memberships.

“In 2009 we ended up at just over 35,000 memberships, but we are doing everything we can to make it a break-even year and we are tracking towards that.”

VICTORIAN MEMBERSHIP LADDER

COLLINGWOOD — 74,342

HAWTHORN — 67,179

RICHMOND — 64,867

ESSENDON — 58,611

CARLTON — 46,799

GEELONG — 41,839

NORTH MELBOURNE — 37,463

MELBOURNE — 35,005

ST KILDA — 29,992

WESTERN BULLDOGS — 29,333

[bulldogtragic]

Just in case you missed it. Hawks nearly merged, but didn't. They Were as shit as us early 00's, went to Tassie built a base there, took the money, members, government cash and sponsors and so bought specialist recruiters, off field generals and extra development coaches and now have 70,000 members. When they no longer need Tassie, in 20, 50 or 100 years time do you think anyone will care that they played a handful of dull interstate team games in Tassie a year for a decade???

[1eyedog]

The Hawks have always had a solid base. They were putting together numbers we could only dream of in the 80s.

[jeemak]

Tassie is a dead duck for us.

Hawthorn's supporter base is an affluent one, always has been. I don't discount the value of Tasmania for Hawthorn, but to use it as the sole reason for their prominence is a bit much. The demographic of Hawthorn supporters, their success and the fact they were gifted the eastern suburbs is the real reason that club is thriving to the extent that it is.

[Eastdog]

Tassie is a dead duck for us.

Hawthorn's supporter base is an affluent one, always has been. I don't discount the value of Tasmania for Hawthorn, but to use it as the sole reason for their prominence is a bit much. The demographic of Hawthorn supporters, their success and the fact they were gifted the eastern suburbs is the real reason that club is thriving to the extent that it is.

While our club is traditionally working class do you reckon our supporter demographics have changed and now we have a mix of working and middle class supporters.

[jeemak]

While our club is traditionally working class do you reckon our supporter demographics have changed and now we have a mix of working and middle class supporters.

Yes.

[Eastdog]

Yes.

I agree as well jeemak.

[Remi Moses]

The two least successful clubs occupy the bottom 2
I think we'll always be in the bottom four.
Both Saints and Bulldog fans have been just flattened by not quite getting there.

[KT31]

While our club is traditionally working class do you reckon our supporter demographics have changed and now we have a mix of working and middle class supporters.

Yes , and I think even if you took a poll on Woof most of us would like to think we are working class but we are really middle class.

[bulldogtragic]

Don't want to know anymore. Because if we keep this up it will be significant lower next year and I'd prefer not to know if we drop again.

[Eastdog]

Good news. We have cracked 30,000 members.

30,214

[bulldogtragic]

God bless all the staff and extended families of Gordon Legal and Slater & Gordon for joining at the last moment. :)

[bornadog]

God bless all the staff and extended families of Gordon Legal and Slater & Gordon for joining at the last moment. :)
and they don't even know they are members:D

[Webby]

Good news. We have cracked 30,000 members.

Phew!... I must admit, I checked early in the week and it was still 29,616.... So I'm a bit relieved to hear this!

We should hopefully mow down Sht Kilda's tally. Norf have 37,000 at present and their supporters have become a bit unbearable at present - even some who are my closest mates.

[Greystache]

If we'd played the style we did on the weekend all season we'd be around 35,000 IMO. We played the way supporters were expecting going into the season, win or loss aside.


Phew!... I must admit, I checked early in the week and it was still 29,616.... So I'm a bit relieved to hear this!

We should hopefully mow down Sht Kilda's tally. Norf have 37,000 at present and their supporters have become a bit unbearable at present - even some who are my closest mates.

At the rate Richmond supporters drop off we might surpass them next year. They shedded 20K from the equivalent game last season on the weekend, despite their prediction they could reach 75,000 members with a flag or extended period of success.

[bulldogtragic]

and they don't even know they are members:D

:) The Slaters folk might be in the AWU Workplace Reform Association too. If so, the Whitten Oval could do with some renovations.

[Prince Imperial]

Norf have 37,000 at present and their supporters have become a bit unbearable at present - even some who are my closest mates.

Just remind them that it's due to 2 game memberships in AFL starved Hobart and $25 1 game memberships in Melbourne. :D

http://membership.nmfc.com.au/packages/view/142/Shinboner_Spirit

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

Yay well done us!

[Webby]

Just remind them that it's due to 2 game memberships in AFL starved Hobart and $25 1 game memberships in Melbourne. :D

http://membership.nmfc.com.au/packages/view/142/Shinboner_Spirit

Thanks for that little bit of gunpowder!... If course! I hadn't thought of that!.. I'll keep it dry and use it at an opportune time!

[Eastdog]

30,965

[Bulldog4life]

2014 AFL membership ladder

Collingwood 79,347

Hawthorn 68,650

Richmond 66,122

Essendon 60,646

West Coast 58,529

Adelaide 54,249

Port Adelaide 48,968

Fremantle 48,777

Carlton 47,485

Geelong 43,803

Sydney 40,126

North Melbourne 39,060

Melbourne 35,911

Western Bulldogs 31,538

St Kilda 30,739

Brisbane Lions 24,012

Gold Coast 13,478

GWS 13,040


Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/st-kilda-saints/st-kilda-drops-to-bottom-of-victorian-membership-table-20140822-1078b3.html#ixzz3B5zyquFS

[bornadog]

Saints lower than us.

[Bulldog4life]

Saints lower than us.

Yes they were pushing 40,000 members in 2010.

[Eastdog]

Hopefully in coming years when we start becoming better more will sign on. This is my 2nd year as a proud member part of the 31,000 odd.

[whythelongface]

How do a basket case such as Melbourne continually have a higher membership tally than us.

Sydney (the city) with a population of 5 million plus can only average 26500 members per team. Dismal. The GWS experiment is an abject failure.

[Greystache]

Richmond supposedly have 60K members, but after a few loses can only get 20K at a game.

[bulldogtragic]

Richmond supposedly have 60K members, but after a few loses can only get 20K at a game.

Are clubs selling 11 x 1 game memberships or something? Or include pet registration/membership?

I don't accept these numbers floating around. Not by a long shot.

[jeemak]

How do a basket case such as Melbourne continually have a higher membership tally than us.

Sydney (the city) with a population of 5 million plus can only average 26500 members per team. Dismal. The GWS experiment is an abject failure.

They have more supporters than we do?

[Greystache]

Are clubs selling 11 x 1 game memberships or something? Or include pet registration/membership?

I don't accept these numbers floating around. Not by a long shot.

There's certainly record numbers of 1 & 3 game memberships being sold. It's all just propaganda to try to be seen as the biggest club possible. Probably because clubs know the AFL orchestrate the competition for the betterment of the biggest clubs. It's all a pathetic cycle.

[Remi Moses]

Yes they were pushing 40,000 members in 2010.

Just shows in a lot instances folk drop off in a down period.
I'd say we had more than Norf a few years back, and the Saints had more than 40.
Melbourne still have old money support from the glory years.

[Bulldog4life]

There's certainly record numbers of 1 & 3 game memberships being sold. It's all just propaganda to try to be seen as the biggest club possible. Probably because clubs know the AFL orchestrate the competition for the betterment of the biggest clubs. It's all a pathetic cycle.

Yes good point. Maybe the AFL should show how much income each team makes from it's membership. That seems a lot fairer.

[Webby]

Yes good point. Maybe the AFL should show how much income each team makes from it's membership. That seems a lot fairer.

There were some figures on income generated from memberships earlier in the year and West Coast absolutely dwarfed Collingwood's. There are a number of cheap memberships sold like non match day and pets etc. when you scratch the surface. WCE only have 40k odd members, but they're all full season ticket types. I'll try to find the link shortly..

[Webby]

^^^^^

Here's the link:

Subiaco's capacity means memberships are hot tickets in WA:

http://m.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-membership-the-real-figures-for-your-club-20140506-zr5tt.html

[F'scary]

Are clubs selling 11 x 1 game memberships or something? Or include pet registration/membership?

I don't accept these numbers floating around. Not by a long shot.

Someone who is an auditor told me that they inspected the Hawthorn member list and noted the following names:

Rover Kennett
Fluff Kennett
Mopsy Kennett
Flopsy Kennett
Tweetie Kennett.

Good to see the whole family joined.

[Bulldog4life]

^^^^^

Here's the link:

Subiaco's capacity means memberships are hot tickets in WA:

http://m.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-membership-the-real-figures-for-your-club-20140506-zr5tt.html

Thanks for that info Webby.

[Greystache]

^^^^^

Here's the link:

Subiaco's capacity means memberships are hot tickets in WA:

http://m.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-membership-the-real-figures-for-your-club-20140506-zr5tt.html

They actually have a waiting list people pay to be on to get a membership when one becomes available. How do you compete with that!

[Remi Moses]

Someone who is an auditor told me that they inspected the Hawthorn member list and noted the following names:

Rover Kennett
Fluff Kennett
Mopsy Kennett
Flopsy Kennett
Tweetie Kennett.

Good to see the whole family joined.

If you put another description of Kennett
You might get a Remi Moses like;)

[Webby]

Surely those WA figures show that a third team in Perth should've been a priority ahead of western Sydney? Fremantle's got membership revenue which is on par with Collingwood - despite being largely hopeless for 20 years, whilst WCE's membership revenue is 60% greater again!

Those clubs are colossal! The corporate cash floating around Perth is enormous. As are the waiting lists!

[bulldogtragic]

So is the lesson that maybe we tell people they can't join the club? Maybe that's been the problem all along.