Is this the best we've ever been run?

[Mofra]

Yes, I know this is pre-season and every club is full of hope and anticipation, BUT... have we ever been run the way we are now?

List wise we outperformed last year for our age profile.
Then we added class bookends: one who was 4th in the comp for contested marks, another who had multiple BOGs and was in the AA conversation halfway through last year.
We did that and managed to keep our first round pick.

We're divesting ourselves from pokies, have posted another profit and look set to increase our membership.

We currently have our longest major sponsorship partner in our club's history which for a club that was publically begging for sponsors on TV 15 years ago is often overlooked.

On top of all that, we have access to one of the most outstanding junior KPF talents we've seen as a 17 year old in a long time.

Our player retention is top shelf, and our partnership with Mercedes is helping that as well (Bevo and Bont are being 'loaned' a Mercedes 4x4 each as 'Brand Ambassadors')

We have probably the best coach I've seen in my lifetime in Bulldog colours.

And to top it all off, we will actually have a functioning spine on the list after (arguably) decades of always being 'one tall short'.

He's a hard taskmaster but hats off to PG for the continued transformation of the club on and off field.

[GVGjr]

Mofra, thanks for starting the thread, its a good time to reflect on how we have performed

It's hard to find anything to even suggest that this isn't the best we've been run by a long, long way.

Here are some of the area's we have seen a substantial improvement and in many cases 'substantial' just doesn't do it justice.

Years of considerable profits
Growing the club sponsors base
A climbing membership base
Our own VFL side
A pioneer in AFL W
An AFL premiership
The Ballarat development
The Whitten Oval redevelopment

These were all just dreams 5 years ago.

While I don't think we have performed as well as we should have since the flag on field the signs are now very positive for the next few years. We've recruited well and now pulled off some trades that have improved the playing list.

On and off field we should be aiming even higher.

There is optimism rather than caution in so many of the members now, that in itself is another massive tick for what Peter Gordon and the team have achieved. I'm not sure how you measure that but it's a substantial change. Some of us are old enough to remember where we came from and I think we would all agree the view from the balcony now looks impressive.

[bornadog]

Mofra you can add the long term vision for the ground.

https://resources.westernbulldogs.com.au/photo-resources/2019/11/30/a297abdc-df0b-4309-b1e9-bd8efed61ae5/TnaTaSet.jpg?width=952&height=592

We have been gifted land worth multi millions and will turn the Whitten Oval into a first class venue.

I remember back in 2010 I had a tour of the new facilities (then) with Rocket and the training set up was the best in the AFL. A few weeks ago I went to a Business function at the club, and had a tour again, and it looked old and ready for a renovation. Chris Grant told us as part of the new development will include the training facilities such as the gym, the wet areas, the recovery areas etc, with a huge indoor area for kicking the ball around. The current area is just not big enough.

The rest of the ground will be upgraded with seating and other facilities. Current budget is $45 million and includes the demolition of the Whitten stand and maybe even the current training centre.

$40-$45 million, and will include:



Slight reconfiguration and upgrade of the VU Whitten Oval playing surface.
An increase of the spectator capacity of the VU Whitten Oval.
Enhancement to the spectator amenities at the venue and improvement of the experience of people visiting the precinct.
Rebuilding of the Whitten Stand with new function facilities and dedicated community spaces for the programs run by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Upgrades to the administration and football department facilities and museum.
Broadcast quality lighting upgrade.
Creation of an open, environmentally-friendly and welcoming public space, including a renewed entry plaza, and running track.
The development of a secondary venue, also in Footscray, with training facilities for our four teams to train on, taking pressure off the ground.


Who would have thought we could be doing such a development like this in the past.

Lots to look forward to in the future.

[Twodogs]

Mofra, thanks for starting the thread, its a good time to reflect on how we have performed

It's hard to find anything to even suggest that this isn't the best we've been run by a long, long way.

Here are some of the area's we have seen a substantial improvement and in many cases 'substantial' just doesn't do it justice.

Years of considerable profits
Growing the club sponsors base
A climbing membership base
Our own VFL side
A pioneer in AFL W
An AFL premiership
The Ballarat development
The Whitten Oval redevelopment

These were all just dreams 5 years ago.

While I don't think we have performed as well as we should have since the flag on field the signs are now very positive for the next few years. We've recruited well and now pulled off some trades that have improved the playing list.

On and off field we should be aiming even higher.

There is optimism rather than caution in so many of the members now, that in itself is another massive tick for what Peter Gordon and the team have achieved. I'm not sure how you measure that but it's a substantial change. Some of us are old enough to remember where we came from and I think we would all agree the view from the balcony now looks impressive.

I can remember the days when the first thing you'd do in the morning was to check the Herald-Sun just to make sure that we still existed. This is much better, it's a club that you are glad that you forced your kids to barrack for!

[Mofra]

Hopefully Murph drops by to save the lump of wood that has been used for decades to crush ice. One of the things he insisted on when WO was first re-developed.

[GVGjr]

I can remember the days when the first thing you'd do in the morning was to check the Herald-Sun just to make sure that we still existed. This is much better, it's a club that you are glad that you forced your kids to barrack for!

I can remember challenging other WOOF members on why they wouldn't do what they could to make sure their children supported the Bulldogs. The general thoughts were they didn't want their kids to endure what they had.
I say this with all due respect but thats bollocks. It's easy to stay loyal during the good times like we have had in the last 5 years but you want people to learn to ride through the lean years and embrace the better ones with vigour. I hope they got their young'uns to stick with the Dogs.

I'm so glad my grand parents were stubbornly Footscray and wouldn't accept anything less from the grand children. I strongly doubt I would have been allowed in their house during the footy season if I didn't support the Dogs. My Nan might have weakened but I would have had to endure lecture after lecture from my Grandfather like I had committed a crime and should have known better :)

What Peter Gordon and his team have done is nothing short of magnificent. They've turned people like me into more than just supporters just because I knew no other way. There is a strong sense of pride in being a Western Bulldogs supporter now which is a massive achievement.
We used to have the pity of opposition supporters (that really shitted me) and now we have the admiration from many of them about the way we turned things around and they way we go about our football.

[Twodogs]

I can remember challenging other WOOF members on why they wouldn't do what they could to make sure their children supported the Bulldogs. The general thoughts were they didn't want their kids to endure what they had.
I say this with all due respect but thats bollocks. It's easy to stay loyal during the good times like we have had in the last 5 years but you want people to learn to ride through the lean years and embrace the better ones with vigour.

I'm so glad my grand parents were stubbornly Footscray and wouldn't accept anything less from the grand children. I strongly doubt I would have been allowed in their house during the footy season if I didn't support the Dogs. My Nan might have weakened but I would have had to endure lecture after lecture from my Grandfather like I had committed a crime and should have known better :)

What Peter Gordon and his team have done is nothing short of magnificent. They've turned people like me into more than just supporters just because I knew no other way. There is a strong sense of pride in being a Western Bulldogs supporter now which is a massive achievement.
We used to have the pity of opposition supporters (that really shitted me) and now we have the admiration from many of them about the way we turned things around and they way we go about our football.


I want them to hate us. I am about as interested in having their admiration as i am in having their pity and that is I don't want any of it, like I said I want them to hate us as much as we hate North or Essendon. I'm sick of being everyone's second club-I hate being second in anything!


BTW what would your granddad have said if you had said that Bernie Quinlan was better than EJ? Don't let the door hit your arse as you exit from it is my guess! The same answer I would have got if I had announced to my family that I was now a Collingwood supporter. "are you interested in not starving to death? Because in this house we only feed Footscray supporters son."

[strebla]

Each and every one of my nieces and nephews are Bulldogs as are my two stepsons. Two of my nieces partners have changed their allegiance and I am working on my third my daughter in law is also now a bulldog. There is no excuse not to love this club and fight just as hard as they do

[comrade]

The next five years is going to be an epic ride, IMO.

[Eastdog]

Great thread Mofra. Yes it is so great where we are as a club today. My support for the Bulldogs started in the early 2000s and I have been member from 2013 onwards and intend to continue to be for many years to come getting more closer to 10 consecutive years now. I wish I was around to witness the old WO days a bit but very happy right now. Recent history has been much better compared the dark old days of the late 70s and early 80s which a few woofers would remember vividly. We have come a long way.

[Twodogs]

Great thread Mofra. Yes it is so great where we are as a club today. My support for the Bulldogs started in the early 2000s and I have been member from 2013 onwards and intend to continue to be for many years to come getting more closer to 10 consecutive years now. I wish I was around to witness the old WO days a bit but very happy right now. Recent history has been much better compared the dark old days of the late 70s and early 80s which a few woofers would remember vividly. We have come a long way.

No you don't because then you would be an old bastard like me.

[Twodogs]

I was at Central West shopping centre in Braybrook (the one with the plane mounted on a plynith out the front) and an old Macedonian bloke walked past me wearing a bulldog cap. As I walked past I said "Go Doggies!" (as you do) and he planted a hand on my shoulder to stop me and said in a heavily accented voice "I come to this country in 1974, and I waited and I waited and I waited and then all of a sudden it was You *!*!*!*!ing beauty"


:D

[comrade]

I was at Central West shopping centre in Braybrook (the one with the plane mounted on a plynith out the front) and an old Macedonian bloke walked past me wearing a bulldog cap. As I walked past I said "Go Doggies!" (as you do) and he planted a hand on my shoulder to stop me and said in a heavily accented voice "I come to this country in 1974, and I waited and I waited and I waited and then all of a sudden it was You *!*!*!*!ing beauty"


:D

That's awesome. Here's to a few more 'You ****ing beauties' over the next decade.

[Twodogs]

That's awesome. Here's to a few more 'You ****ing beauties' over the next decade.

It's the best synonym I have heard for a while. I really like it.

[Eastdog]

Great Stuff Twodogs!

[jeemak]

We're being run really well, after what appeared to be a few signs that across the board we'd gotten a bit comfortable with ourselves after 2016.

There are still the inequities in the draw and exposure provided to teams across the league, though it would be fair to say that this is probably the least hostile administration or two that we have come up against and that can't be discounted, without taking anything away from the excellent work those at the club put in.

[bulldogtragic]

We've nailed our really important off field signings, starting with Peter Gordon (lawyer). We missed pretty badly with David Stevenson and Gary Kent stood in. We let Dalrymple go a year early and JMac also left. Then we brought in:

Ameet Bains (lawyer) was a great signing. A guy with a lot of experience across a lot of roles at St Kilda and I don't think he's put a foot wrong. Helping get Bruce across is a cherry on top. Matt Finnis must be a solid citizen at St Kilda, but seeing the way Bains is advancing our expansion and developments/redevelopments they'd love to have Bains back I'm sure.

Sam Power (lawyer) is another great signing. Had experience at Carlton across a few different areas and wouldn't they love to him back there after pushing SOS out. He has been outstanding to date. His first three years in charge could as good, or if not better than his predecessors. Re-signing guns, realigning the list and staring down opposition list mangers at Brisbane, Adelaide & St Kilda to get great trades. Not something we are all that used to.

Nick Austin is a bit to early to call with only two drafts, but he nailed his picks last year it seems. Had a lot of experience across multiple clubs and multiple areas of specialisation, last at Richmond. Solid performer so far with Bailey Smith on his resume and hopefully Weightman as a gun too.

The board generally has been well managed with inclusions to it. It's sub committees that brought in an untried head coach over the easier decision of previous senior coach after BMc was a brave call. St Kilda wouldn't mind keeping Bevo & Bains a couple of years back.


I like we are putting emphasis on a mix of high IQ, footy industry experience and bringing in insights from other clubs. Something I was hoping we'd do a little bit more with our coaching panel. We never seem to be in the race for Neal Balme types of off field appointments, but we are money balling the very best candidates the next level down and nailing them (ex. Stevenson). And it's paying off bigly for the club. I'm sure other similar types of clubs are looking at how we've compiled our off field team, and what our ideal candidates possess, with a view to identifying off field footy talent at other clubs to improve their clubs.

I look forward to our new Indigenous Programs Manager being announced. Plus hopefully at least one new assistant coach from another club. A cherry on top would be another Graeme Lowe type of broad elite sports professional to come in and the the support to the head coach and coaching team that Lowe was in 2016.

It's one thing to have big dreams. We have for a long time dreamt of not being a small club or feeder club of talent to bigger clubs. The dreaming and ambition part is easy. Not all that long ago we were asking players to give some of their wages back. A senior manager low balled Cal Ward (it's 100% fact, please let us not debate this again) and he left. Our CEO was told about the events that led up to Shocktober with BMac & Gryphone and it still happened. Plus Edgewater was a disaster and far from the dream members were sold. Dreams and ambition are great, but they aren't enough in isolation. But over the last couple of years I think we've managed to bring together highly competent and proficient footy industry professionals that excel at their given roles for the betterment of the club. These folks are in the process of making club dreams, club realities.

So I'd agree that this is the best run we've been. But there's plenty of work to do in making sure this list gets another couple of flags, continuing the Ballarat & WO developments, developing a stronger indigenous player program be player numbers, and locking in big sponsors, long term. But I feel a calming confidence that the people we have are highly competent enough to deliver for the club and members. The other challenge is making sure that we can retain these folks for as long as we possibly can before the big clubs and huge cheque books come for them.

[jeemak]

Good post BT. Unusually short for you, however.

I like the idea of nailing the "doing" appointments with highly competent and emerging talent. Bains and Power are perfect examples of this, both took on substantially larger roles but they clearly knew the strategic and tactical sides of their segments of the industry and were able to develop into broader roles. That's potentially going to lead to some bumps along the way, which we haven't really copped thus far, but the upside is fresh approaches and a most likely more empathetic view across all roles in the footy club "value chain" which can be missed by more seasoned operators who might be a little more set in their ways.

While the playing group seems tight, we have a lot of work to do in ensuring the management lapses that saw the post premiership decline be worse than what bad attitudes and injuries should have allowed. How do we take on Jamara, how do we make sure any of our future success if achieved is served by the playing group with humility instead of self entitled and haphazard attitudes? While our indigenous program needs to be developed, and I fully support huge resources being poured into this area to try and bridge the gap between us and clubs that are more sophisticated in this area, we need to make sure that all employees of the club treat it as a safe space and an enjoyable place to work. Get that right rain, hail or shine, and we're in a fantastic place to weather any storm that bad form, injury or luck dishes up to us.

[bulldogtragic]

Good post BT. Unusually short for you, however.

I like the idea of nailing the "doing" appointments with highly competent and emerging talent. Bains and Power are perfect examples of this, both took on substantially larger roles but they clearly knew the strategic and tactical sides of their segments of the industry and were able to develop into broader roles. That's potentially going to lead to some bumps along the way, which we haven't really copped thus far, but the upside is fresh approaches and a most likely more empathetic view across all roles in the footy club "value chain" which can be missed by more seasoned operators who might be a little more set in their ways.

While the playing group seems tight, we have a lot of work to do in ensuring the management lapses that saw the post premiership decline be worse than what bad attitudes and injuries should have allowed. How do we take on Jamara, how do we make sure any of our future success if achieved is served by the playing group with humility instead of self entitled and haphazard attitudes? While our indigenous program needs to be developed, and I fully support huge resources being poured into this area to try and bridge the gap between us and clubs that are more sophisticated in this area, we need to make sure that all employees of the club treat it as a safe space and an enjoyable place to work. Get that right rain, hail or shine, and we're in a fantastic place to weather any storm that bad form, injury or luck dishes up to us.

For sure. The positions down the newer senior managers are vital. Our welfare manager/program would've no doubt seen some behavioural issues outside of footy to mange, and especially three recent cases of mental illness leading to time away from the game (Boyd, Cloke & Jong). It's great that these three people felt comfortable in coming forward no even going public about it, which is a tick for the welfare manger. A football club is just a slice of a segment of society, and young men be women are being more afflicted, so we need to ensure our support mechanisms can continue to support our players.

Other apparent changes down the line that I'm assuming are new hires, or new thinkers are in digital media and membership. Our digital media as of say 3 years go wasn't very good, as well as being tired and unimaginative. The last 6+ months has seen a new style of digital media that's really imaginative, often amusing and really well provided/executed (Schache resigning video was fantastic). On membership, a lot of years go I emailed the membership manager suggesting 'years of membership' be placed on scarves as per the big clubs whose fans cherish the recognition of being long term club tragics. But it couldn't be done for a lot of reasons. Now the somewhat recent introduction of pins and certificates of years of memberships is a nice touch. So there's some good work down stream.

Plus the appointment of Nathan Burke. I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said 'I destroy my enemies by making them my friends'...

Of course there's work to be done above and beyond these posts. Some woofers have lamented some of the events (social club function etc) and if committing to a mid season Q&A function needing to refine it a bit more. Having got our foot back in the door for Good Friday, we need to keep it. Does the club want to keep this public feud going with BlackSoul or get passed it? It's probably keeping our media manger busy. Has the AFEL renegotiate our Marvel deal, if not, we need to keep lobbying. For 2022, there's the chance of Victorian & Federal Elections. The Premier likes helping us, while the PM says his Aussie Rules them is the WBFC. If the WO became the main home ground of many Victorian AFLW teams, and add in a car park for the railway station to our plans, then both governments can tick off the boxes of 'infrastructure, sport with an emphasis on women's sport, community investment, public transport services, and lots of Victorian jobs' for only $30,000,000 or just one easy payment of $15,000,000 each to get more votes.

I like this thread. It's easy to acknowledge things when they're going pear shaped. But it's another thing, less frequently done, to stop to acknowledge things when they're going really well.

[Axe Man]

I look forward to our new Indigenous Programs Manager being announced.

Is Brett Goodes not still in that position? He is according to his Linkedin page: https://au.linkedin.com/in/brett-goodes-899a71a4 (https://au.linkedin.com/in/brett-goodes-899a71a4)

[bulldogtragic]

Is Brett Goodes not still in that position? He is according to his Linkedin page: https://au.linkedin.com/in/brett-goodes-899a71a4 (https://au.linkedin.com/in/brett-goodes-899a71a4)

I don't believe so, no. From memory, we advertised this job online mid/late 2019.

[strebla]

Is Brett Goodes not still in that position? He is according to his Linkedin page: https://au.linkedin.com/in/brett-goodes-899a71a4 (https://au.linkedin.com/in/brett-goodes-899a71a4)
Brett resigned and is now working for Adam doing a similar role I believe.

[Axe Man]

I don't believe so, no. From memory, we advertised this job online mid/late 2019.


Brett resigned and is now working for Adam doing a similar role I believe.

Thanks.

Strange all parties seem to have been quiet on the subject. This article from 1st August still had him at the club:
Brett Goodes reflects on brother Adam's Australian nightmare (https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/brett-goodes-reflects-on-brother-adam-s-australian-nightmare-20190731-p52cn1.html)

I did find the position listed as you say BT with applications closing 16th August 2019, surely they should have appointed somebody by now?

[bulldogtragic]

Thanks.

Strange all parties seem to have been quiet on the subject. This article from 1st August still had him at the club:
Brett Goodes reflects on brother Adam's Australian nightmare (https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/brett-goodes-reflects-on-brother-adam-s-australian-nightmare-20190731-p52cn1.html)

I did find the position listed as you say BT with applications closing 16th August 2019, surely they should have appointed somebody by now?

You'd think so, and we've not announced it or maybe the applicants were not exactly brilliant. Hard to tell.

[AshMac]

Mofra you can add the long term vision for the ground.

https://resources.westernbulldogs.com.au/photo-resources/2019/11/30/a297abdc-df0b-4309-b1e9-bd8efed61ae5/TnaTaSet.jpg?width=952&height=592

We have been gifted land worth multi millions and will turn the Whitten Oval into a first class venue.

I remember back in 2010 I had a tour of the new facilities (then) with Rocket and the training set up was the best in the AFL. A few weeks ago I went to a Business function at the club, and had a tour again, and it looked old and ready for a renovation. Chris Grant told us as part of the new development will include the training facilities such as the gym, the wet areas, the recovery areas etc, with a huge indoor area for kicking the ball around. The current area is just not big enough.

The rest of the ground will be upgraded with seating and other facilities. Current budget is $45 million and includes the demolition of the Whitten stand and maybe even the current training centre.

$40-$45 million, and will include:



Slight reconfiguration and upgrade of the VU Whitten Oval playing surface.
An increase of the spectator capacity of the VU Whitten Oval.
Enhancement to the spectator amenities at the venue and improvement of the experience of people visiting the precinct.
Rebuilding of the Whitten Stand with new function facilities and dedicated community spaces for the programs run by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Upgrades to the administration and football department facilities and museum.
Broadcast quality lighting upgrade.
Creation of an open, environmentally-friendly and welcoming public space, including a renewed entry plaza, and running track.
The development of a secondary venue, also in Footscray, with training facilities for our four teams to train on, taking pressure off the ground.


Who would have thought we could be doing such a development like this in the past.

Lots to look forward to in the future.

Surely this development makes us the richest club in the league if it all goes to plan?

[Twodogs]

Surely this development makes us the richest club in the league if it all goes to plan?

It will make us close to it.

Some of the interstate clubs are real behemoths-if we got close they would have a lot of back up to swipe us away. Especially West Coast and Freo.

[Prince Imperial]

Surely this development makes us the richest club in the league if it all goes to plan?

We are currently third in the League on the basis of "net assets" behind Hawthorn and West Coast. The latter are $28m ahead of us and its been reported that they will announce a very large profit for last year. It is very likely they will continue to do so in future years.

It is possible with the sale of the gaming venues and if we can secure substantial funding from the State government, the AFL and others for the redevelopment that we could sneak ahead of WC for a little while but in the medium to long run its very difficult to see that anyone can match them.

[Mofra]

Surely this development makes us the richest club in the league if it all goes to plan?
No, partly because we don't own the land.

WCE are a behemoth. Forget the big Vic clubs, they are the richest.

[bornadog]

We are currently third in the League on the basis of "net assets" behind Hawthorn and West Coast. The latter are $28m ahead of us and its been reported that they will announce a very large profit for last year. It is very likely they will continue to do so in future years.

It is possible with the sale of the gaming venues and if we can secure substantial funding from the State government, the AFL and others for the redevelopment that we could sneak ahead of WC for a little while but in the medium to long run its very difficult to see that anyone can match them.

I am happy to be 3rd, especially coming from where we were many years ago.

[Mofra]

I am happy to be 3rd, especially coming from where we were many years ago.
I'm happy that we will have a community hub. How many "on the fence" supporters will follow the bulldogs if they start enjoying the facilities?
It might be a small - but steady - way to boost support in the long term.

[AshMac]

I'm happy that we will have a community hub. How many "on the fence" supporters will follow the bulldogs if they start enjoying the facilities?
It might be a small - but steady - way to boost support in the long term.

Good point. There must be a bunch of potential fans we can lure with a destination training facility.

Re. Land ownership - haven’t we been “gifted” the land?

[bornadog]

Good point. There must be a bunch of potential fans we can lure with a destination training facility.

Re. Land ownership - haven’t we been “gifted” the land?

I am pretty sure, the main Oval is still owned by the council, but yes we have been given the land between the ground and railway.