BT's Membership Score - Compare

[bulldogtragic]

So I've devised a simple maths equation that can tell you how our great VFL/AFL team has fared since you specifically have been a member. I've gone back as far as 1950, sorry for anyone with skin in the game longer. Each season I've marked how far from the bottom spot on the ladder we finished. I've gone this way not out of negativity, but as the size of the ladders change over the years it made it harder to find a set number. So this is it. So if we finished 2 spots off the bottom, as in 1950, I've put in 2. So just identify the year followed/joined, tally up the points for those years. Divide that total by the number of years and you have an average 'membership score'. Here are the years:

1950 - 2
1951 - 8
1952 - 2
1953 - 9
1954 - 11 (GF, Premiers)
1955 - 7
1956 - 8
1957 - 6
1958 - 1
1959 - 0 (wooden spoon)
1960 - 3
1961 - 10 (grand final)
1962 - 7
1963 - 3
1964 - 5
1965 - 3
1966 - 3
1967 - 0 (wooden spoon)
1968 - 3
1969 - 2
1970 - 5
1971 - 4
1972 - 5
1973 - 3
1974 - 7
1975 - 5
1976 - 7
1977 - 5
1978 - 1
1979 - 3
1980 - 2
1981 - 1
1982 - 0 (wooden spoon)
1983 - 5
1984 - 5
1985 - 10
1986 - 4
1987 - 7
1988 - 6
1989 - 1
1990 - 7
1991 - 5
1992 - 13
1993 - 6
1994 - 10
1995 - 9
1996 - 1
1997 - 13
1998 - 14
1999 - 12
2000 - 9
2001 - 6
2002 - 4
2003 - 0 (wooden spoon)
2004 - 2
2005 - 7
2006 - 8
2007 - 3
2008 - 13
2009 - 13
2010 - 12
2011 - 7
2012 - 3
2013 - 3
2014 - 4
2015 - 12
2016 - 17 (GF, Premiers)
2017 - 8
2018 - 5

Simply tally the scores from the year you started following or were a member from (generally not before you were 5 years old). Then divide that number by the numbers of years.

In my case, my points total 240. Years following is 32 > 240 points/32 years = 7.5

So my membership score is 7.5 (including 1 X Grand Final, 1 X Premeirship, 1 X Wooden Spoon)

I've got to say I'm pretty happy with 7.5. Plus only one spoon to GF/Premeirship ratio is better than comparable smaller Vic clubs over the journey.

That also means we averaged 7.5 spots off the bottom of the ladder in my time. The higher your score, the better time you've had of it. For instance if you joined/followed from 2008, your membership score would be a whopping 9. Or if you followed Hawthorn in 13-15, a score of 17. The lower the score, well you guys and girls especially watching the 60's & 70's, there's always next year to make a dint in your membership score.

So how do you and your time as part of the club rate on the membership score?

[Ozza]

Not too dissimilar to you - 30 years at 7.56.

[Grantysghost]

81 first year of membership at 5.

265 / 38 = 6.97

[bulldogtragic]

Not too dissimilar to you - 30 years at 7.56.


81 first year of membership at 5.

265 / 38 = 6.97

Not too bad a time Ozza.

GG, sub 7. You've done some harder time and you're still so positive. Respect.

[bornadog]

First started following the club when I was 5 (lived close to the ground and my father took me) - 1961

354/58 = 6.1

2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 3 Wooden Spoons.

[bulldogtragic]

First started following the club when I was 5 (lived close to the ground and my father took me) - 1961

354/58 = 6.1

2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 3 Wooden Spoons.

6.1 . Wow. How many clubs would have rock solid members like you at 6.1 over 58 years? A 'respect' to you too.

[bornadog]

6.1 . Wow. How many clubs would have rock solid members like you at 6.1 over 58 years? A 'respect' to you too.

The worst part was following the club in the 1960's (after 61). Didn't play in a final till 1974 - 12 years. Going to Primary school, then high school being one of a few Doggies supporters in the outer Western Suburbs (we moved at the end of 62) was really tough. I just couldn't see myself changing to another club. When I was 11 a kid did convince me to support South Melbourne - it lasted about 5 days :D - and I am ashamed of it :D:D

However, we won a lot of games at home which made it palatable.

[Axe Man]

I'm a bulldog since birth but the first season I can really remember is 1985 when I was 6/7, so from that point 7.5.

From when I became a member in 1998 - 7.7, so not much different.

[Mofra]

Calculating my second membership stint from 2001 after I came back to Melbourne.

127/18 = 7.05

The Rhode years hurt.

[bulldogtragic]

I'm a bulldog since birth but the first season I can really remember is 1985 when I was 6/7, so from that point 7.5.

From when I became a member in 1998 - 7.7, so not much different.

That’s really interesting. To only have .2 over 13 years. We were consistent if nothing else.

[Flamethrower]

Note - 1979 should be a 3 (we finished 9th).

Supporter since 1978 - for a 6.6 (271/41)
Member since 1980 - 6.8 (267/39)

Those early years were tough, especially the first half of the 1980 season and the entire 1981 and 1982 seasons.

[bulldogtragic]

Current Comparison Tally (Higher = more overall team success during membership, lower = less overall team success during membership):

Ozza 7.56
BT 7.5
Axe 7.5
Mofra 7.05
GG 6.97
FT 6.6
BAD 6.1
B4L 5.86

As flat as I've been as a member from time to time, maybe I've taken things for granted looking at the early comparisons. I've had a far better time of things, more than I thought.

[Bulldog4life]

Similar to BAD I started going regularly to see the doggies in 1958. I was at the 1961 Grand Final aged 10. I have been going regularly ever since some seasons more than others. My score is 358/61 = 5.86

[bulldogtragic]

Similar to BAD I started going regularly to see the doggies in 1958. I was at the 1961 Grand Final aged 10. I have been going regularly ever since some seasons more than others. My score is 358/61 = 5.86

I didn't contemplate anyone would score under 6. You sir, deserve a medal from the club. On a side note, what period of time (say 2+ years) was the hardest slog for you? (And others with low scores)

[bornadog]

I didn't contemplate anyone would score under 6. You sir, deserve a medal from the club. On a side note, what period of time (say 2+ years) was the hardest slog for you? (And others with low scores)

Similar to Flamethrower the 80's from 1980 to 1982 were very hard as I was now a lot older than a kid in the 1960s and it hit me harder.
In 1980 we lost the first 11 games :eek:, and won 5. In 1981 we had two wins, beating the Bombers and would you believe Melbourne at VFL park. In 1982, we won just 3 games

In 3 years or 66 games, we won 10 games.

[Bulldog4life]

I didn't contemplate anyone would score under 6. You sir, deserve a medal from the club. On a side note, what period of time (say 2+ years) was the hardest slog for you? (And others with low scores)

Looking back BT I would definitely say early to late 60's. I was in my mid to late teens then so it really meant a lot to me then. The Royce Hart years were also very dismal in the early eighties. In his first 2 seasons I think we only won about 6 or 7 games. He only lasted 2 and a half years and there were some bad floggings in that last year. So those periods were bad. Today is a breeze. :)

[hujsh]

If I were to count from when I started seriously following the footy then 2005 onwards for 8.21.

If I'm doing it from when I picked 'Doggies' as my team and can remember games then it's (I think) 1997 onward for 7.96

[hujsh]

I do remember sitting in front of the TV in the Rhode years and very quickly losing interest and turning to the game boy instead.

[Grantysghost]

Not too bad a time Ozza.

GG, sub 7. You've done some harder time and you're still so positive. Respect.

80's were tough :) Actually all the way up to 97 really. Bugger I just reminded myself.

[bulldogtragic]

If I were to count from when I started seriously following the footy then 2005 onwards for 8.21.

If I'm doing it from when I picked 'Doggies' as my team and can remember games then it's (I think) 1997 onward for 7.96


I do remember sitting in front of the TV in the Rhode years and very quickly losing interest and turning to the game boy instead.

8.21 - Lucky you! The Cheap as Chips years were just horrible, for players and fans. Although hearing about the late 60's and early 80's, we've had a few more really bad periods than I appreciated.

[Grantysghost]

Similar to BAD I started going regularly to see the doggies in 1958. I was at the 1961 Grand Final aged 10. I have been going regularly ever since some seasons more than others. My score is 358/61 = 5.86

Wow - loyalty personified. Even when we were terrible there was always something to cling onto. Doug Hawkins tearing up a wing, Peter Foster etc. Keeping Carlton to 0 goals until Mark Arceri (?) ruined it...always a silver lining.

My lowest point, when I thought for a fleeting moment what the hell am I doing was in 2003 when Freo and Shaun McManus ripped us a new one at Docklands. Something like 80 points.

This one : https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2003/070820030511.html

[bulldogtragic]

Current Comparison Tally (Higher = more general team success during membership, lower = less general team success during membership):

Hujsh 8.21
Ozza 7.56
BT 7.50
Axe 7.50
Mofra 7.05
GG 6.97
FT 6.60
HBR 6.24
BAD 6.10
JC 5.96
B4L 5.86

[Axe Man]

Generally the longer you have followed us the ratio of lean times to success will be higher. For a team like Carlton this would be the exact opposite.

[BulldogBelle]

I was barracking for the doggies before 1964 but it was 1964 when I first became a member.
Total 1964-2018 = 328
Years = 55
Score 328/55 = 5.96

[Grantysghost]

Just out of interest does anyone have their old membership cards. I have a few, the earliest I think is 1983. Always recall entering the ground at the Barkly St end and the gate attendant who was missing a few digits (fascinating as a kid) used to click my card; if I asked nicely he would do the games I'd missed. I can post a photo if people are interested.

Could be another thread don't want to derail this one it's great.

[bornadog]

Just out of interest does anyone have their old membership cards. I have a few, the earliest I think is 1983. Always recall entering the ground at the Barkly St end and the gate attendant who was missing a few digits (fascinating as a kid) used to click my card; if I asked nicely he would do the games I'd missed. I can post a photo if people are interested.

Could be another thread don't want to derail this one it's great.

I never kept them - big regret there.

[bornadog]

The real "AFL" Premiership Tally


Hawthorn 5
West Coast 4
Brisbane 3
Geelong 3
Adelaide 2
Collingwood 2
Essendon 2
North Melbourne 2
Sydney 2
Carlton 1
Westernbulldogs 1
Port Adelaide 1
Richmond 1
Fremantle 0
Gold Coast 0
GWS 0
Melbourne 0
St Kilda 0

[HOSE B ROMERO]

Hmm i don't know if this has been thereapeutic or not but...

Supporter 50 years so 6.24

Member since i moved to Melbourne in '83.

So spent 13 years following the dogs via my transistor radio.

I spent a lot of my childhood swearing at that radio.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

By the way, my first jumper was a St Kilda one. Our sports shop didn't have any footscray one's.

Looks like i dodged a bullet there.

[choconmientay]

Sorry guys but I haven't been suffering as much but somehow I am still feeling the pain for the past 2/3 years not seeing us in the finals after the success in 2016. I just can't imagine what you guys have to endure over so many many years. (probably that's why all of you are having great characters ;) )

So for me:
- Paying member since 2009 84/10=8.4
- Going to our games since 2004 but pay-as-u-go 117/15=7.8

[dadsgirl16]

6.07...do I pass?

[Twodogs]

Hmm i don't know if this has been thereapeutic or not but...

Supporter 50 years so 6.24

Member since i moved to Melbourne in '83.

So spent 13 years following the dogs via my transistor radio.

I spent a lot of my childhood swearing at that radio.

During the last quarter of a game against Richmond when I was a teenager I picked the radio up by the antennae, swung it around my head and threw it through a closed dining room window just as my mum walked into the room. The window smashed into a thousand pieces and my mum said "I seriously thought that I could have left you in the room alone without you doing something like that" "sorry mum..."

[Twodogs]

Sorry guys but I haven't been suffering as much but somehow I am still feeling the pain for the past 2/3 years not seeing us in the finals after the success in 2016. I just can't imagined what you guys have to endure over so many many years. (probably that's why all of you are having great characters ;) )

So for me:
- Paying member since 2009 84/10=8.4
- Going to our games since 2004 but pay-as-u-go 117/15=7.8

Wow. That's pretty sweet.

[bulldogtragic]

6.07...do I pass?

6.07 as a pass? That's about an A grade!

[bulldogtragic]

Current Comparison Tally (Higher = more general team success during membership, lower = less general team success during membership):

Choco 8.40
Hujsh 8.21
Josie 7.71
Chef 7.61
Ozza 7.56
BT 7.50
Axe 7.50
Easty 7.05
Mofra 7.05
GG 6.97
FT 6.60
HBR 6.24
BAD 6.10
DG 6.07
JC 5.96
Mera 5.92
B4L 5.86

[chef]

7.6111111111 for me.

[Eastdog]

WB supporter since circa 2001 was around 12 didn’t go to many games in the 2000s but was a supporter nonetheless. Used the radio a lot in those years.
127/18 = 7.05

WB member start of 2013 - 2010s went to a lot more games and have not looked back after 2013 really.
49/6 = 8.16

Would be great in future years to go to the occasional AFL Bulldogs game at Whitten Oval particular with plans now to redevelop it. Didn’t experience the WO days but been great going there in recent times. I can say I was there the day after we won the 2016 flag at WO with 30,000 of our great supporters.

1 premiership, 1 grand final, 1 wooden spoon and 4 preliminary finals.

Not too bad compared to BAD and B4L they have been through tough years.

[Eastdog]

I never kept them - big regret there.

I have been keeping mine ever since I joined up in 2013. Kept my GF ticket and SF ticket from 2016 and I have the 2015 EF ticket as well.

[Grantysghost]

I never kept them - big regret there.

I used to have all from about 95 but they've been misplaced. I'll post the 83 one for this thread maybe one day I'll hunt around for more.

[Grantysghost]

I used to have all from about 95 but they've been misplaced. I'll post the 83 one for this thread maybe one day I'll hunt around for more.

Here's the 83 one. Interesting South Melbourne played in Sydney never realised that.

http://imgur.com/gallery/yWbJt7r

[josie]

7.71-member since ‘98. Feel like a Johnny come lately. Enjoyed reading the posts & realise I’ve been member in a kind of halcyon/salad days “period (Wallace, Rocket, Bevo). Great thread - thanks BT.

[Axe Man]

Here's the 83 one. Interesting South Melbourne played in Sydney never realised that.

http://imgur.com/gallery/yWbJt7r

The swans moved to Sydney the year before, not sure when they changed their name to Sydney though?

[merantau]

Started following in 56. Member since 76. So 373 ÷ 63 = 5.92. Who cares? I got to see Ted Whitten play for 15 years and witness the greatest finals campaign ever!

[Bulldog4life]

Started following in 56. Member since 76. So 373 ÷ 63 = 5.92. Who cares? I got to see Ted Whitten play for 15 years and witness the greatest finals campaign ever!

That's true. Seeing EJ play is the third highlight for me light years ahead of the forth highlight. The premiership in 2016 and the Grand Final in 1961 are first and second.

[1eyedog]

Wow things can turn around quickly can't they!

[bulldogtragic]

7.71-member since ‘98. Feel like a Johnny come lately. Enjoyed reading the posts & realise I’ve been member in a kind of halcyon/salad days “period (Wallace, Rocket, Bevo). Great thread - thanks BT.

So you watched the 1997 pre-lim and still joined up 1998! That's real commitment to the cause Josie.

[Eastdog]

Here's the 83 one. Interesting South Melbourne played in Sydney never realised that.

http://imgur.com/gallery/yWbJt7r

The old school clipped tickets. Love it!

[HOSE B ROMERO]

During the last quarter of a game against Richmond when I was a teenager I picked the radio up by the antennae, swung it around my head and threw it through a closed dining room window just as my mum walked into the room. The window smashed into a thousand pieces and my mum said "I seriously thought that I could have left you in the room alone without you doing something like that" "sorry mum..."

Not your fault td. Your defence of being a footscray supporter the 'sensationa '70's' should have been enough to get you off the hook.

The radio is used actually belonged to my mum. she rarely saw it. If it wasn't tuned to the footy it was on 3xy.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

Just out of interest does anyone have their old membership cards. I have a few, the earliest I think is 1983. Always recall entering the ground at the Barkly St end and the gate attendant who was missing a few digits (fascinating as a kid) used to click my card; if I asked nicely he would do the games I'd missed. I can post a photo if people are interested.

Could be another thread don't want to derail this one it's great.

Got all my membership tickets since 84 (cardboard one with Alistair Ford on the cover) except 87 when i went o'seas and 91 which i've lost. I've dragged them through about a dozen house moves.

[boydogs]

1997, 7.96

Need to find someone who left and came back around Rohde & McCartney :D

[Eastdog]

Coaches in my time since I became a supporter Wallace, Rhode, Eade, Macca and Bevo
Coaches as a member Macca and Bevo
Presidents as a supporter in my time Smorgon and Gordon
As a member Gordon

[Webby]

Got all my membership tickets since 84 (cardboard one with Alistair Ford on the cover) except 87 when i went o'seas and 91 which i've lost. I've dragged them through about a dozen house moves.

I remember that Alister Ford cover. Against Norf at Arden Street from memory. I think Glendenning and McCann, or was it John Laws?

Anyway, notable shot as I believe it was the only mark ever taken by Alister Ford..

[bulldogtragic]

Updated Comparison Tally (Higher = more general team success during membership, lower = less general team success during membership):

Choco 8.40
Hujsh 8.21
BD 7.96
Josie 7.71
Chef 7.61
Ozza 7.56
BT 7.50
Axe 7.50
Easty 7.05
Mofra 7.05
GG 6.97
FT 6.60
KT 6.26
HBR 6.24
BAD 6.10
DG 6.07
JC 5.96
Mera 5.92
B4L 5.86
NBP 5.75

[Bulldog4life]

Looking forward to hear from a particular Woof member who I believe played for the doggies.

[Grantysghost]

I remember that Alister Ford cover. Against Norf at Arden Street from memory. I think Glendenning and McCann, or was it John Laws?

Anyway, notable shot as I believe it was the only mark ever taken by Alister Ford..

https://flic.kr/p/2gaxrkg

[KT31]

Duplicate post

[KT31]

Since supporting is a score of 6.26, Membership score is 6.60 (This includes a couple years of being a Kellogs Jnr Member :) )

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

First started following the club when I was 5 (lived close to the ground and my father took me) - 1961

354/58 = 6.1

2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 3 Wooden Spoons.

Similar to your own BAD
357/60= 5.75
2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 4 Wooden Spoons
Member since 1959
Highlights being to follow 3 Club Champions in Ted Whitten, Doug Hawkins and George Bisset all from my junior Club in the Braybrook Football Club. Together with ‘54 Premiership Vice Captain, Wally Donald all four from Braybrook were in our Club’s Team of the Century

[bulldogtragic]

Similar to your own BAD
357/60= 5.75
2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 4 Wooden Spoons
Member since 1959
Highlights being to follow 3 Club Champions in Ted Whitten, Doug Hawkins and George Bisset all from my junior Club in the Braybrook Football Club. Together with ‘54 Premiership Vice Captain, Wally Donald all four from Braybrook were in our Club’s Team of the Century

Wow. 5.75 over 60 years. Congrats on 60 years. Please tell us all on the Internet whatever you see in your closed door training present from the club. :D

[Eastdog]

Similar to your own BAD
357/60= 5.75
2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 4 Wooden Spoons
Member since 1959
Highlights being to follow 3 Club Champions in Ted Whitten, Doug Hawkins and George Bisset all from my junior Club in the Braybrook Football Club. Together with ‘54 Premiership Vice Captain, Wally Donald all four from Braybrook were in our Club’s Team of the Century

One of our true supporters. That is what it means to be a supporter. Ted and Doug would have loved to watch those guys play. Braybrook Football Club had some very good players for us.

[bornadog]

Similar to your own BAD
357/60= 5.75
2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 4 Wooden Spoons
Member since 1959
Highlights being to follow 3 Club Champions in Ted Whitten, Doug Hawkins and George Bisset all from my junior Club in the Braybrook Football Club. Together with ‘54 Premiership Vice Captain, Wally Donald all four from Braybrook were in our Club’s Team of the Century

Don't forget Gentlemen John

[Bulldog4life]

Don't forget Gentlemen John

Gentleman John initially was from Boort.

[HOSE B ROMERO]

Similar to your own BAD
357/60= 5.75
2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 4 Wooden Spoons
Member since 1959
Highlights being to follow 3 Club Champions in Ted Whitten, Doug Hawkins and George Bisset all from my junior Club in the Braybrook Football Club. Together with ‘54 Premiership Vice Captain, Wally Donald all four from Braybrook were in our Club’s Team of the Century

Ray Walker?
Did Georgie drive his horse and cart to Braybrook training like he did to the western oval?

[HOSE B ROMERO]

I remember that Alister Ford cover. Against Norf at Arden Street from memory. I think Glendenning and McCann, or was it John Laws?

Anyway, notable shot as I believe it was the only mark ever taken by Alister Ford..

Yes Webby i think it's Glendenning. Also Ian Williams.
The '85 one has Purser and the '86 has Hardie.

[Twodogs]

Similar to your own BAD
357/60= 5.75
2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 4 Wooden Spoons
Member since 1959
Highlights being to follow 3 Club Champions in Ted Whitten, Doug Hawkins and George Bisset all from my junior Club in the Braybrook Football Club. Together with ‘54 Premiership Vice Captain, Wally Donald all four from Braybrook were in our Club’s Team of the Century

I opened the batting with Wally's son Mark for many years in the old FCA.


Not your fault td. Your defence of being a footscray supporter the 'sensationa '70's' should have been enough to get you off the hook.

The radio is used actually belonged to my mum. she rarely saw it. If it wasn't tuned to the footy it was on 3xy.

1422 3XY is Rocktober!

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Ray Walker?
Did Georgie drive his horse and cart to Braybrook training like he did to the western oval?
Georgie’s other claim to fame was to drive his horse and cart to the old Maribyrnong Drive In with his mates lined up in the back and ring for a bucket of water for his horse. A true story

[Bulldog4life]

Georgie’s other claim to fame was to drive his horse and cart to the old Maribyrnong Drive In with his mates lined up in the back and ring for a bucket of water for his horse. A true story

I remember your days in the back pocket Ray. A terrific player. Played for the Vics too didn't you? Then later you were on the match committee I think.

[Eastdog]

Ray Walker?
Did Georgie drive his horse and cart to Braybrook training like he did to the western oval?

From Wiki Ray started in 1959 5 years after the 54 premiership. Would have even cool to have a premiership Bulldog on woof.

[Grantysghost]

Yes Webby i think it's Glendenning. Also Ian Williams.
The '85 one has Purser and the '86 has Hardie.

Found 84/85 we should try and get the set going. Maybe the club would want them for museum.

Eastcoast Bulldogs did we sell our naming rights!? :cool:
http://imgur.com/gallery/HOobBAM

[bornadog]

Found 84/85 we should try and get the set going. Maybe the club would want them for museum.

Eastcoast Bulldogs did we sell our naming rights!? :cool:
http://imgur.com/gallery/HOobBAM

They were a brand of jeans and sponsored us (for those who don't know)

[josie]

So you watched the 1997 pre-lim and still joined up 1998! That's real commitment to the cause Josie.

Yes-I started barracking for them a few years earlier and by ‘97 I listened to games on radio. Told this story in membership thread... took my Mum to see matinee of Swan Lake at Arts Centre when prelim was on and at intermission raced outside and thought you beauty - dogs might just make grand final. Then in car on way home was despondent listening to final score. Then and there decided no more armchair stuff-join the family up in ‘98 so I did.

[ratsmac]

The worst part was following the club in the 1960's (after 61). Didn't play in a final till 1974 - 12 years. Going to Primary school, then high school being one of a few Doggies supporters in the outer Western Suburbs (we moved at the end of 62) was really tough. I just couldn't see myself changing to another club. When I was 11 a kid did convince me to support South Melbourne - it lasted about 5 days :D - and I am ashamed of it :D:D

However, we won a lot of games at home which made it palatable.

BT just asked us to tally our membership score not confess our deepest darkest sins!! South Melbourne really? It must have been tough times but I would of been happier if you had committed murder.....only joking but bloody hell never speak of this again😁

[bulldogtragic]

Yes-I started barracking for them a few years earlier and by ‘97 I listened to games on radio. Told this story in membership thread... took my Mum to see matinee of Swan Lake at Arts Centre when prelim was on and at intermission raced outside and thought you beauty - dogs might just make grand final. Then in car on way home was despondent listening to final score. Then and there decided no more armchair stuff-join the family up in ‘98 so I did.

I must have missed that story in that thread. That's great stuff. Very Foo Fighters 'Times Like These' response.

[Twodogs]

BT just asked us to tally our membership score not confess our deepest darkest sins!! South Melbourne really? It must have been tough times but I would of been happier if you had committed murder.....only joking but bloody hell never speak of this again��

Being called Carl I got home from school one day to find out that my 'laugh a minute' father had stuck a Carlton poster on my bedroom wall and could hardly wait to start to start getting stuck into me about it. "Hahaha, you have a Carlton posyer on your wall, Haha your name is Carl so you must barrack for Carlton" and so on with the very mature behavior. I said to him "but you were the one who picked the f%$#ing name in the first place! I didn't name myf$%#ingself, did I?" and turned on my heels and went to the toilet. By the time I get back the Carlton poster was gone and it was never mentioned again!!

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

They were a brand of jeans and sponsored us (for those who don't know)

The Founder of East Coast Jeans was Denny Scharwz who became our major sponsor for 4 years when our Club was struggling for financial support. His parents for many years ran a Clothing store called The Working Man’s Friend in Hopkins Street Footscray. Denny was highly regarded and respected by all.

[Twodogs]

The Founder of East Coast Jeans was Denny Scharwz who became our major sponsor for 4 years when our Club was struggling for financial support. His parents for many years ran a Clothing store called The Working Man’s Friend in Hopkins Street Footscray. Denny was highly regarded and respected by all.

It was after r4 in 1983 that Denny came on board. In 1983 not for the first time (Nor the last) we had gone into the season without a major sponsor so we went in with a 'Go West' type badge where the sponsors label would have been. But after we had won 3 of our first 4 Eastcoast (who had a factory in Maribyrnong and a big shop in Footscray) got on board. But the tariff led obsession with destroying local textile, clothing and footwear industries in the western suburbs closed Eastcoast down.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

OK Starting supporting in 78 as 5 year old
so 271 /41 = 6.6097

But I didn't become a member until I think 2000
so 136/19 = 7.1578

[bulldogtragic]

Updated Comparison Tally (Higher = more general team success during membership, lower = less general team success during membership):

Choco 8.40
Hujsh 8.21
BD 7.96
Josie 7.71
Chef 7.61
Ozza 7.56
BT 7.50
Axe 7.50
Soupa 7.40
Easty 7.05
Mofra 7.05
GG 6.97
FT 6.60
YHF 6.60
DOC26 6.44
KT 6.26
HBR 6.24
BAD 6.10
DG 6.07
JC 5.96
Mera 5.92
B4L 5.86
NBP 5.75

[bulldogtragic]

I have one really big question as a result of the people sharing their membership score. That is, it's clear success is cyclical for our club (like everyone else). But from the late 1980's our success cycle seems to turn around A LOT quicker, and our lows seem to be a little better than periods in the 60's and early 80's. The flag doesn't skew the numbers because the membership score is an average.

So, why? Is this because the club got its 'shit together' after Fightback? We're we able to keep good players for longer? Is this just 'equalisation' from the AFEL in operation? Or did something else happen to take us from cellar dwellers, or a good average side that plays finals often and snagged a flag?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I have one really big question as a result of the people sharing their membership score. That is, it's clear success is cyclical for our club (like everyone else). But from the late 1980's our success cycle seems to turn around A LOT quicker, and our lows seem to be a little better than periods in the 60's and early 80's. The flag doesn't skew the numbers because the membership score is an average.

So, why? Is this because the club got its 'shit together' after Fightback? We're we able to keep good players for longer? Is this just 'equalisation' from the AFEL in operation? Or did something else happen to take us from cellar dwellers, or a good average side that plays finals often and snagged a flag?

Its a good question. One that needs a fair bit of hard analysis to produce a defensible argument.

For a start we'd have to look at all other team's ladder positions over the same time.
Perhaps cross reference with significant competition changes, eg expansion of league, draft, equalisation rules.

I reckon there are enough variables as to render this a classic never-to-be incontrovertibly settled pub debate!
Nice work BT!

[bulldogtragic]

Its a good question. One that needs a fair bit of hard analysis to produce a defensible argument.

For a start we'd have to look at all other team's ladder positions over the same time.
Perhaps cross reference with significant competition changes, eg expansion of league, draft, equalisation rules.

I reckon there are enough variables as to render this a classic never-to-be incontrovertibly settled pub debate!
Nice work BT!

The VFL/AFEL thing is easiest. Time wise, it fits loosely. The draft started in 1986 plus the zones, plus father/son. 1993 the priority pick was introduced. We benefitted big time when the PP rules were very generous (Cooney & Ray, Gryphone & Williams). We also benefitted with the father/son generosity, getting Libba & Wally fairly cheaply.

On the flip side, the introduction of new immature teams over the years has given us opportunity to win a little more on average, plus Fitzroy were putrid and worth a couple of wins a season.

I don't like this answer, because it means we haven't done much ourselves to improve the club from the inside. 7 prelims since 1992, that's a pre-lim on average every 3.5 years. That's not an insignificant achievement, especially looking at the time from say 1965-1983. So either we've done something to improve as a club, or the AFEL system has propped us up through changes that have made conditions softer for us. But since I wasn't around, I can't make a conclusion one way or the other.

[soupman]

Started going to games and comprehending what was happening in 1999 so 7.4 for me. 1 wooden spoon, 1 glorious night premiership, 1 slightly more glorious real premiership, 3 losing prelims, 6 coaches, 74 questionable recruiting decisions, 17 unfavourable trades, 125 disappointing crowds, 6 dud brothers, 12 players departing for bigger and better things, 92 baffling team selections, 43 undefendable performances, 2 whitten oval redevelopments, 13 proposed whitten oval redevelopments, 3 non-Melbourne homes away from home, 2 el presidentos and 1 Bontempelli.

[Twodogs]

Only 92?

[Twodogs]

Its a good question. One that needs a fair bit of hard analysis to produce a defensible argument.

For a start we'd have to look at all other team's ladder positions over the same time.
Perhaps cross reference with significant competition changes, eg expansion of league, draft, equalisation rules.

I reckon there are enough variables as to render this a classic never-to-be incontrovertibly settled pub debate!
Nice work BT!

I think it has a lot to do with the fact that we effectively have had only 2 presidents in that time and the quality of those people. They have always put the club first, no naming of grandstands after themselves or addressing the players or sacking coaches because they didn't get along with them. Peter Gordon and David Smorgon are both quality people who have both reached into their pockets to contribute to the club when we have been on our uppers.

Looking back over the last 30 years, I don't know that we would have made as a single entity club based in the western suburbs without Peter or David's input and now we are thriving. Thank god they could see past the middle of next week and provided stability and a steering wheel when we really, really needed it.

[Twodogs]

The VFL/AFEL thing is easiest. Time wise, it fits loosely. The draft started in 1986 plus the zones, plus father/son. 1993 the priority pick was introduced. We benefitted big time when the PP rules were very generous (Cooney & Ray, Gryphone & Williams). We also benefitted with the father/son generosity, getting Libba & Wally fairly cheaply.

On the flip side, the introduction of new immature teams over the years has given us opportunity to win a little more on average, plus Fitzroy were putrid and worth a couple of wins a season.

I don't like this answer, because it means we haven't done much ourselves to improve the club from the inside. 7 prelims since 1992, that's a pre-lim on average every 3.5 years. That's not an insignificant achievement, especially looking at the time from say 1965-1983. So either we've done something to improve as a club, or the AFEL system has propped us up through changes that have made conditions softer for us. But since I wasn't around, I can't make a conclusion one way or the other.

22 and 40 was it? I think Tom was exactly 18 picks or 1 full round after Mitch. From memory the club thought Tom was a bit on the lazy side and needed a rocket so they took Mitch first when on talent alone it should have been Libba with the earlier pick.


Zaine Cordy @ pick 62 was pretty sweet too. Lachie Hunter @ 49 was making out like a Mexican bandit.

[bulldogtragic]

22 and 40 was it? I think Tom was exactly 18 picks or 1 full round after Mitch. From memory the club thought Tom was a bit on the lazy side and needed a rocket so they took Mitch first when on talent alone it should have been Libba with the earlier pick.


Zaine Cordy @ pick 62 was pretty sweet too. Lachie Hunter @ 49 was making out like a Mexican bandit.

We've been huge beneficiaries of the father/son rule. Even Ayce Cordy was a rated/bid at pick 8 or 9 and we got at 15 or so. Taking aside he failed as a footballer, that was a huge benefit. Then I suspect Kellett & MacPherson will get nabbed, not sure about Oliver Libba. Darcy is down the line. We passed on other draftees like Fossie Jnr and Darcy Mac, the latter can play. These parents deserve credit for 'getting it on' for the benefit of the club.

[Doc26]

Active Dogs supporter since 1972, member from 1976.

303 / 47 years active = 6.44

[merantau]

X
Similar to your own BAD
357/60= 5.75
2 Grandfinals, 1 Premiership, 4 Wooden Spoons
Member since 1959
Highlights being to follow 3 Club Champions in Ted Whitten, Doug Hawkins and George Bisset all from my junior Club in the Braybrook Football Club. Together with ‘54 Premiership Vice Captain, Wally Donald all four from Braybrook were in our Club’s Team of the Century
I saw my first game of football at Pennell Reserve. It was a practice match between BFC and the Young Australian Chinese. It was in 1955. My sister was going out with Johnny Litchfield. He kicked a drop kick from near the centre and it bounced in the goal square and went through for a goal. She also went out on a date with Lyle Anderson who played for Braybrook and also played 24 games for Footscray.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

X
I saw my first game of football at Pennell Reserve. It was a practice match between BFC and the Young Australian Chinese. It was in 1955. My sister was going out with Johnny Litchfield. He kicked a drop kick from near the centre and it bounced in the goal square and went through for a goal. She also went out on a date with Lyle Anderson who played for Braybrook and also played 24 games for Footscray.
Johnny Litchfield was a fine footballer and cricketer. Lyle Anderson was an exceptional footballer and didn’t perhaps have the fierce desire to play more League games. The late Jim Middleton former Coach of Ted Whitten at Braybrook rated Anderson very highly.
You bring back great memories.

[Twodogs]

X
I saw my first game of football at Pennell Reserve. It was a practice match between BFC and the Young Australian Chinese. It was in 1955. My sister was going out with Johnny Litchfield. He kicked a drop kick from near the centre and it bounced in the goal square and went through for a goal. She also went out on a date with Lyle Anderson who played for Braybrook and also played 24 games for Footscray.

Father of Butch?

[Murphy'sLore]

I joined in 2008 so my score is a gigantic 8.8. I really picked the perfect time to hop on board!

[bulldogtragic]

Updated Comparison Tally (Higher = more general team success during membership, lower = less general team success during membership):

ML 8.80
Choco 8.40
Hujsh 8.21
BD 7.96
Josie 7.71
Chef 7.61
Ozza 7.56
BT 7.50
Axe 7.50
Soupa 7.40
Easty 7.05
Mofra 7.05
GG 6.97
FT 6.60
YHF 6.60
TD 6.46
DOC26 6.44
KT 6.26
HBR 6.24
BAD 6.10
DG 6.07
JC 5.96
Mera 5.92
B4L 5.86
NBP 5.75

[bulldogtragic]

I joined in 2008 so my score is a gigantic 8.8. I really picked the perfect time to hop on board!

8.8 that's just plain greedy! :D

(Moreso considering up to October 2016 was 9.3!)

[Twodogs]

Joined in 1977, that's still a respectable 6.46 although maths isn't my strong suit.

[bulldogtragic]

Joined in 1977, that's still a respectable 6.46 although maths isn't my strong suit.

Some tough spells there. Still a sight better than NBPs (devotional) 5.75.

[Twodogs]

Some tough spells there. Still a sight better than NBPs (devotional) 5.75.

The tough spells clear eventually and before long you find yourself at the MCG hugging strangers. The worst time was losing the first 11 in 1980 but looking back it always seemed to be sunny and that magic day at the Junction Oval came soon enough. That day was a particularly satisfying win because we had it wrapped up by 3/4 time and we could all relax and enjoy the last quarter.

[WBFC4FFC]

Joined for the 1990 season.

Received a free membership from the CFO/Finance Director of the Dogs at the time, as he and his young family were on holidays, staying next-door to our family in Bright. I had just turned 15.

Been a paid-up Member ever since.

[Twodogs]

Joined for the 1990 season.

Received a free membership from the CFO/Finance Director of the Dogs at the time, as he and his young family were on holidays, staying next-door to our family in Bright. I had just turned 15.

Been a paid-up Member ever since.

Great stuff.

Were you already a supporter or was that what got you on board?

[Eastdog]

My mum and brother who support other teams reckon there was something about the Dogs in the very late 90s pre 2001 that drew me in but can’t put my finger on it. I’ll still say my support started from 2001.

[AshMac]

243 over 34 years = 7.36

[bulldogtragic]

Updated Comparison Tally (Higher = more general team success during membership, lower = less general team success during membership):

ML 8.80
Choco 8.40
Hujsh 8.21
BD 7.96
Josie 7.71
Chef 7.61
Ozza 7.56
BT 7.50
Axe 7.50
Soupa 7.40
AMac 7.36
Easty 7.05
Mofra 7.05
GG 6.97
FT 6.60
YHF 6.60
SCR 6.55
TD 6.46
DOC26 6.44
KT 6.26
HBR 6.24
BAD 6.10
DG 6.07
JC 5.96
Mera 5.92
B4L 5.86
NBP 5.75

[Twodogs]

My mum and brother who support other teams reckon there was something about the Dogs in the very late 90s pre 2001 that drew me in but can’t put my finger on it. I’ll still say my support started from 2001.

The Terry Wallace factor. Plough made us sexy in the late '90s.

[Twodogs]

Geez we have some loyal supporters.

[Smads57]

My turn.... started supporting in 1967 aged 10. Old man took me each week and I got to see football on all the old traditional VFL grounds except Brunswick St oval as Fitzroy had already moved to Princes Park. Had no choice but to barrack for Dogs as with rest of my siblings.

[Eastdog]

The Terry Wallace factor. Plough made us sexy in the late '90s.

Possibly but I recall the match I went to in 2001 where we won that I can pinpoint my support but that could be a possibility. There was a change when Smorgo and Terry come in the late 90s.

[Twodogs]

Possibly but I recall the match I went to in 2001 where we won that I can pinpoint my support but that could be a possibility. There was a change when Smorgo and Terry come in the late 90s.

Which match was that Easty? My first ever match was Teddy's last game in 1970 but I spent most of the game tobogganing down the slope behind the scoreboard on a piece of old cardboard. The first game that I can vividly remember is R1 1974 when we caned Geelong at home.

[Eastdog]

Which match was that Easty? My first ever match was Teddy's last game in 1970 but I spent most of the game tobogganing down the slope behind the scoreboard on a piece of old cardboard. The first game that I can vividly remember is R1 1974 when we caned Geelong at home.

Round 7, 2001 around then. In the 2000s (my teenage years) was just a supporter of the Dogs watching on TV or listening on the radio and went to occasional games in the seasons. Now from 2013 onwards go most weeks and will be for a long time to come.

[Scraggers]

So the first game I remember going to at the Western Oval was in 1974 (I was 5) ... that means as a supporter my score would be 6.55.

I was a member a couple of times in the 80s but didn't have permanent employment so I'm not counting those years ... I've been a full member living in WA since 1997 ... that means as a member my score would be 7.95. :cool:

[Twodogs]

Round 7, 2001 around then. In the 2000s (my teenage years) was just a supporter of the Dogs watching on TV or listening on the radio and went to occasional games in the seasons. Now from 2013 onwards go most weeks and will be for a long time to come.

I remember it well, the night that Luke Penny gave David Neitz a real hiding and we thought to ourselves "at last we have a decent key defender!" I almost got myself arrested by a police officer directing traffic. I was abusing him for holding me up (my dad was minding my 2 yo outside the ground and I wanted to get back to them) and he said to me "Mate if I wasn't so busy doing this I would make your life a misery, now *!*!*!*! OFF!" All I wanted was to get through the road that had closed just as I was pulling up to it and because I had made such a prick of myself he took the path of least resistance and waved me through!

[Eastdog]

I remember I had a Bulldog tin case in school which I don’t have anymore and still have my old robodog jumper the one where we had no sponsor my Bulldog bar scarf had the old robodog logo and beanie had it as well.

[bulldogtragic]

So the first game I remember going to at the Western Oval was in 1974 (I was 5) ... that means as a supporter my score would be 6.55.

I was a member a couple of times in the 80s but didn't have permanent employment so I'm not counting those years ... I've been a full member living in WA since 1997 ... that means as a member my score would be 7.95. :cool:

7.95... If only you could wipe your memory of everything before that! Says a lot you stuck fat from 6.55 to now 7.95. Good trend to be on for any afl member.

[Scraggers]

7.95... If only you could wipe your memory of everything before that! Says a lot you stuck fat from 6.55 to now 7.95. Good trend to be on for any afl member.

I wouldn’t mind that number hitting double figures over the next ten years :cool:

[WBFC4FFC]

Great stuff.

Were you already a supporter or was that what got you on board?

Already a supporter and going to most games, given I grew up in Footscray. The 89 near death experience, coupled with my age and earning money for part-time jobs meant I continued on as a member post the very generous 1990 freebie.

Never hurts as a gift to give a Membership to a Fan.