Western Bulldogs fans must show loyalty

[BulldogBelle]

A good article by Stevens, urging the Dogs members to turn up at the G...

Western Bulldogs fans must show loyalty (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/western-bulldogs-fans-must-show-loyalty/story-e6frf9ox-1225917656559)
Mark Stevens | Herald Sun | September 10, 2010

DAVID Smorgon and Campbell Rose might spend much of Saturday night's pre-match gazing anxiously up into the MCG's Southern Stand.

The hearts of the Bulldogs heavies will sink if huge banks of seats remain empty at the first bounce.

They won't be worried about the bottom line, for finals crowds are not a cash bonanza for competing clubs.

But they will be concerned about the perception, which right now is even more important than the dollar.

If the Dogs are to be considered an emerging force in the AFL, they must attract at least 45,000 to tonight's semi-final against Sydney.

Anything less than 40,000 - regardless of the weather - would be embarrassing.

The Dogs boast a record membership of almost 35,000 and this is no time for those fans, so bullish in the NAB Cup when a lot less was at stake, to go missing.

Apparently ticket sales out at the Kennel were soft for week one against the Magpies and interest leading up to the cut-throat clash with the Swans has again been slow.

It seems a defeatist attitude has swept through a vast section of Dogs supporters.

The loss to Geelong was a jab to the guts and the hammy injury to Adam Cooney was a knockout blow for many.

It appears too many Dogs fans have battle fatigue.

Six losing preliminary finals in a row, some in heartbreaking circumstances, will do that to you.

Click HERE (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/western-bulldogs-fans-must-show-loyalty/story-e6frf9ox-1225917656559) to read the remainder of the article...

[AndrewP6]

Very good read... C'mon Dogs fans, we can't jump off now!!!

[Remi Moses]

What a load of rubbish! Is that the reason for the lack of intensity and commitment
Yes put the heat on the supporters Give us a spell!:rolleyes:

[AndrewP6]

What a load of rubbish! Is that the reason for the lack of intensity and commitment
Yes put the heat on the supporters Give us a spell!:rolleyes:

I don't think it's making any excuses, just the point that to not turn up now because our chances have taken a dive, would be the wrong thing to do. It's certainly not rubbish to suggest a lot will have jumped ship in the last few weeks.

[Grantysghost]

I've almost lost faith in some of our supporters. Bagging Johnno ....... hard to put in to words that practice.
He grew up at the Western Oval as a kid with his family watching Hawk, Super, Fossie, Choco, Rick Kennedy run around, played his heart and soul out for the last 17 years all with a smile and somehow "supporters" find some hate inside them to steer in his direction. I think Scott Wynd called it embarrassing during the week and he is not far off.
It might be this legends last game, get along and support him and the team. I sense tonight may be something special... Its not only about winning, its about being part of something. GO DOGS! (and johnno)

[Remi Moses]

Look I love Smorgon but really instead of putting the heat on the supporter base put the acid on the football dept.I didn't attend last week (I have a feral barometer and The pies measure 11) so I don't go when we play them.I think alot of folk will purchase a ticket at the ground tonight ! I am

[Remi Moses]

I've almost lost faith in some of our supporters. Bagging Johnno ....... hard to put in to words that practice.
He grew up at the Western Oval as a kid with his family watching Hawk, Super, Fossie, Choco, Rick Kennedy run around, played his heart and soul out for the last 17 years all with a smile and somehow "supporters" find some hate inside them to steer in his direction. I think Scott Wynd called it embarrassing during the week and he is not far off.
It might be this legends last game, get along and support him and the team. I sense tonight may be something special... Its not only about winning, its about being part of something. GO DOGS! (and johnno)

Disagree with the jeering,but the MC and Eade are going to look stupid if Johnno is limping around tonight and can't get a kick.

[Sockeye Salmon]

I suspect tonights crowd will be pretty ordinary.

We have to have the most pathetic supporters in the league.


No-one turns on their own as quick as a Bulldogs supporter - even Richmond.





(Am I turning on my own by posting that?)

[Flamethrower]

When times are tough you can always tell who the real fans are.

I have never been more fired up for a game (that I wasn't playing in) than I am today. I will be there with my game face on ready to go, and God help anyone in my vicinity who bags Johnno tonight.

Fire up Dogs! Bring the heat!

[LostDoggy]

I've almost lost faith in some of our supporters. Bagging Johnno ....... hard to put in to words that practice.
He grew up at the Western Oval as a kid with his family watching Hawk, Super, Fossie, Choco, Rick Kennedy run around, played his heart and soul out for the last 17 years all with a smile and somehow "supporters" find some hate inside them to steer in his direction. I think Scott Wynd called it embarrassing during the week and he is not far off.
It might be this legends last game, get along and support him and the team. I sense tonight may be something special... Its not only about winning, its about being part of something. GO DOGS! (and johnno)

I sense the same thing tonight!
Can't really put into words how I feel...
Anxious? Excited? Nervous? Gee, the emotions of being a Bulldogs Supporter are really showing now!

[LostDoggy]

This is total horse shit. I'm not going tonight. And the reason has nothing to do with whether I think we'll win or not. I'm voting with my feet against the constant bullshit we're fed by the club, the constant excuses and media spin. I'm upset that it's Johnno's maybe last game and I might miss that, but on the other hand, I'm angry enough to almost not care.

I'm not a bandwagon supporter. I ride the rollercoaster like everybody else and I've not jumped off once in my life. But to turn around and tell supporters, who've pledged not just money but their passion, their emotions, given everything they can to face a bunch of heartless wimps. That performance against Collingwood, coming from a team that in the midst of membership drives was telling people they'd settle for no less than a GF berth, is beyond insipid. They've shown that this young bunch of men stand for nothing, believe in nothing, and then for Rocket to turn around and talk about "belief", well, that's the last bloody straw for me.

A bit more respect for us might see me change my mind. But the heat should be on Rocket, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players, not on fans who've stuck by them through thick and thin.

It's actually funny, because last Friday night Collingwood fans were abusing me telling us to "go rattle your tins". Well, I was proud of that, I've always been very proud of the way the fans banded together to save this club. I took it as a compliment. The biggest insult has come from our own club. "Belief". You're kidding yourself Rocket. Shape up or ship out.

Here endeth the rant.

[AndrewP6]

The amount of vitriol coming from our own towards our own is alarming.

[LostDoggy]

Sorry Andrew, just hard to clear the smell of bullshit from my nose.

[GVGjr]

I suspect tonights crowd will be pretty ordinary.

We have to have the most pathetic supporters in the league.


No-one turns on their own as quick as a Bulldogs supporter - even Richmond.

?)

Agree. I do however get sick of Smorgo pointing the finger at the supporters.

[LostDoggy]

Agree. I do however get sick of Smorgo pointing the finger at the supporters.

Yes! I don't mind losing. It's the crap coming out of Whitten Oval that has me totally disillusioned.

[bornadog]

This is total horse shit. I'm not going tonight. And the reason has nothing to do with whether I think we'll win or not. I'm voting with my feet against the constant bullshit we're fed by the club, the constant excuses and media spin. I'm upset that it's Johnno's maybe last game and I might miss that, but on the other hand, I'm angry enough to almost not care.

I'm not a bandwagon supporter. I ride the rollercoaster like everybody else and I've not jumped off once in my life. But to turn around and tell supporters, who've pledged not just money but their passion, their emotions, given everything they can to face a bunch of heartless wimps. That performance against Collingwood, coming from a team that in the midst of membership drives was telling people they'd settle for no less than a GF berth, is beyond insipid. They've shown that this young bunch of men stand for nothing, believe in nothing, and then for Rocket to turn around and talk about "belief", well, that's the last bloody straw for me.

A bit more respect for us might see me change my mind. But the heat should be on Rocket, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players, not on fans who've stuck by them through thick and thin.

It's actually funny, because last Friday night Collingwood fans were abusing me telling us to "go rattle your tins". Well, I was proud of that, I've always been very proud of the way the fans banded together to save this club. I took it as a compliment. The biggest insult has come from our own club. "Belief". You're kidding yourself Rocket. Shape up or ship out.

Here endeth the rant.

Well there are always another 15, 16 and even 17 coming in, teams to follow.

[azabob]

Agree. I do however get sick of Smorgo pointing the finger at the supporters.

Could not agree more re Smorgon.

[LostDoggy]

This is total horse shit. I'm not going tonight. And the reason has nothing to do with whether I think we'll win or not. I'm voting with my feet against the constant bullshit we're fed by the club, the constant excuses and media spin. I'm upset that it's Johnno's maybe last game and I might miss that, but on the other hand, I'm angry enough to almost not care.

I'm not a bandwagon supporter. I ride the rollercoaster like everybody else and I've not jumped off once in my life. But to turn around and tell supporters, who've pledged not just money but their passion, their emotions, given everything they can to face a bunch of heartless wimps. That performance against Collingwood, coming from a team that in the midst of membership drives was telling people they'd settle for no less than a GF berth, is beyond insipid. They've shown that this young bunch of men stand for nothing, believe in nothing, and then for Rocket to turn around and talk about "belief", well, that's the last bloody straw for me.

A bit more respect for us might see me change my mind. But the heat should be on Rocket, the rest of the coaching staff, and the players, not on fans who've stuck by them through thick and thin.

It's actually funny, because last Friday night Collingwood fans were abusing me telling us to "go rattle your tins". Well, I was proud of that, I've always been very proud of the way the fans banded together to save this club. I took it as a compliment. The biggest insult has come from our own club. "Belief". You're kidding yourself Rocket. Shape up or ship out.

Here endeth the rant.

Maybe this is why things have been very quiet coming out of the Kennel this week BAS
and we will see actions rather than words this week. That is the hope I am clinging to anyway. Was very disappointed last week and must admit the Johnno factor is playing a big part in me fronting up again tonight. I feel like the club needs us in times like this .

[LostDoggy]

Agree. I do however get sick of Smorgo pointing the finger at the supporters.

From memory I think he did it last year too and it didn't sit well with me, I took it kinda personally and suspect many others did as well. Still in the bigger scheme of things I think he has been great for us.

[bornadog]

Could not agree more re Smorgon.

Could not disagree more. Our fans are not fans and they need shaking. Teams like Richmond have played one final in 30 years yet they still pull in big crowds, because they are passionate. Our so called supporters can't even think about going tonight, for gods sake its a final and we have a chance to make the prelim.

[AndrewP6]

Could not disagree more. Our fans are not fans and they need shaking. Teams like Richmond have played one final in 30 years yet they still pull in big crowds, because they are passionate. Our so called supporters can't even think about going tonight, for gods sake its a final and we have a chance to make the prelim.

Hear hear!! Well said!

[azabob]

Could not disagree more. Our fans are not fans and they need shaking. Teams like Richmond have played one final in 30 years yet they still pull in big crowds, because they are passionate. Our so called supporters can't even think about going tonight, for gods sake its a final and we have a chance to make the prelim.

I don't think comparing our crowds to Richmond's crowds is a good comparision. I would think Richmond have double the amount of supporters than we do so therefore naturally they'd get more to games.

Smorgon says the same thing year in year out, yet when are the players and coaching panel going to hold up their end of the bargin?

For the last 3 years we have played terrible terrible football in the first final. Yet we still go in with the same players and get the same result.

[LostDoggy]

Could not disagree more. Our fans are not fans and they need shaking. Teams like Richmond have played one final in 30 years yet they still pull in big crowds, because they are passionate. Our so called supporters can't even think about going tonight, for gods sake its a final and we have a chance to make the prelim.

Yeah but tickets are expensive man. Our on field performances and good management
have lead to a great membership tally this year. But not all of these are going to be die hard supporters. You have to accept that for some people footy is just entertainment! They probably all forked out for last weeks game and came away feeling like they just watched a pretty pathetic performance. And when the media is telling them that our season is cooked how many of them are gonna fork out another 70 or 80 bucks to watch us get flogged again ?

I suspect that the virus has had a pretty massive impact on our ability to run out games and of course there are the injuries and a lot of injured players playing as well. But to a casual supporter last week probably just looked pissweak .

Yes I am going again tonight but it is really breaking the bank. Maybe I am the one fooling myself , fronting up again, telling myself there are mitigating circumstances and that we will come good... i dunno, like you it saddens me but I understand if people choose not to go.

[LostDoggy]

What the difference between a supporter and a member? I am a Member and will be there tonight to give my respect to Johnno and to tell my kids that i was there to see Johnno play, regardless of the result this year i WILL be a member next year. And correct me if i'm wrong but the supporters of North Melbourne are the worst of the AFL in showing bums in seats of games.

Go Dogs...................

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Agree. I do however get sick of Smorgo pointing the finger at the supporters.

Yeah, I get tired of Smorgon picking and choosing when to raise his voice so to speak. It'll be interesting to hear what he says once the year is finished. I'd hope he doesn't use injuries as the excuse, but fear he will.

[boydogs]

I don't think comparing our crowds to Richmond's crowds is a good comparision. I would think Richmond have double the amount of supporters than we do so therefore naturally they'd get more to games

Don't we have more members? I think it is a good contrast

[Topdog]

I'm not going tonight.

I've worked 22 hours in the past 34 hours and am going home to relax with a few glasses of red and hopefully a Dogs win.

[LostDoggy]

Well, I'm glad I didn't go and I'm sad I didn't go. I'm happy that they proved me wrong and I'm happy to now look like a bit of a dickhead. That said, I feared what I'd be like if I turned up for another repeat of last week. Might've been it for me. I think we all need to sometimes take a step back. I love my Dogs, always will. It's never about winning or losing for me. It's always about how we go about it. I hope a five point win isn't just papering over cracks. We'll wait and see I guess. Real test is this week against Saints.

[Scraggers]

Well, I'm glad I didn't go and I'm sad I didn't go. I'm happy that they proved me wrong and I'm happy to now look like a bit of a dickhead. That said, I feared what I'd be like if I turned up for another repeat of last week. Might've been it for me. I think we all need to sometimes take a step back. I love my Dogs, always will. It's never about winning or losing for me. It's always about how we go about it. I hope a five point win isn't just papering over cracks. We'll wait and see I guess. Real test is this week against Saints.

After your original post, I'm glad you followed up with this post.

Yes we have been disappointing in the last couple of weeks, but what you don't realize is that you have the opportunity that many of us would kill for ... You have the opportunity to tell your grandkids that you were there for Johnno's last game. That will mean you either watch us lose or watch us make it to a Grand Final.
For those of us that live country, interstate, or overseas and can't afford to travel, we would give our eye teeth to be there.

[LostDoggy]

There was more Swans fans tonight.

[G-Mo77]

There was more Swans fans tonight.

Yep no doubt there was. Pathetic showing by our supporters, really disappointing.

[KT31]

I wonder how many of us where tid up in local comps finals ?
This is my excuse and Im sure plenty of others.

[hujsh]

Number at the ground was 39500. I'm not sure there were more Swans supporters. I saw more Doggies but i heard more Swans. We are a quite-ish bunch

[LostDoggy]

Number at the ground was 39500. I'm not sure there were more Swans supporters. I saw more Doggies but i heard more Swans. We are a quite-ish bunch

I was there and yes the Swans were more vocal than us, but at the end it was the roar of Dogs fans that was the loudest!

The best game i've been to for ages and next week anything goes after coming back 5 goals down and winning it proves it can happen on the night.

Go Dogs...................

[mighty_west]

Well, I'm glad I didn't go and I'm sad I didn't go. I'm happy that they proved me wrong and I'm happy to now look like a bit of a dickhead. That said, I feared what I'd be like if I turned up for another repeat of last week. Might've been it for me. I think we all need to sometimes take a step back. I love my Dogs, always will. It's never about winning or losing for me. It's always about how we go about it. I hope a five point win isn't just papering over cracks. We'll wait and see I guess. Real test is this week against Saints.

It's a shame you missed this one BAS, i know exactly how passionate you are mate, and obviously the ultimate prize is Premiership success, but you also have to break it down to a game by game basis [hey, as Dogs supporters what else can we do?], heartbreak with the finals losses, but ecstasy with winning finals games like last night.

You know i am more of a laid back supporter at games, not over the top with passion & celebration during games, more of an observe type, but i have to say i lost my voice, belted the seat in front as hard as i can, when the siren went it was just unbelievable, the memory of that game last night will be remembered up there with the best victories, if we get put out this week against the Saints, i am extremely grateful i was there to be part of that, it's a shame you missed out, wins like that as supporters is what it is all about.

[LostDoggy]

I'll be there next week against the Saints. And as I've kept saying, it's all about how we go about it. Win or lose, I expect a fight like we gave last year in the same game, and I'll be happy. It's all about passion. All of it. There always has to be a loser. But a good game is where both teams have the passion and drive, and that's what I want from the Dogs.

[Grantysghost]

You know i am more of a laid back supporter at games, not over the top with passion & celebration during games, more of an observe type, but i have to say i lost my voice, belted the seat in front as hard as i can, when the siren went it was just unbelievable, the memory of that game last night will be remembered up there with the best victories, if we get put out this week against the Saints, i am extremely grateful i was there to be part of that, it's a shame you missed out, wins like that as supporters is what it is all about.

This ^

Wont forget that one for a while, shame for those who missed it... Next week lets turn the MCG red white and blue!!

[bornadog]

Yep no doubt there was. Pathetic showing by our supporters, really disappointing.

Yep Smorgon was right to appeal to the so called supporters. Keep this up and we will end up like North.

[LostDoggy]

Yep Smorgon was right to appeal to the so called supporters. Keep this up and we will end up like North.
I agree 100% with Smorgo. I couldn't believe what a guy behind me was yelling out when things were bad in the second quarter "Smorgan has to go he has been there too long and delivered nothing".
If it was not for David Smorgan we could be dead and buried for christ sake he doesn't play or coach.
I know we all crave for the ulimate sucess, in my book when you look that we have ended up at least as good as the last 2 years against all the odds, it's a good effort. AND IT AINT OVER YET.
I was hoping and praying for a win last night, firstly for ME, then for the team and tyhen to stick it up our own supporters that have given up on us.

[bornadog]

I was hoping and praying for a win last night, firstly for ME, then for the team and then to stick it up our own supporters that have given up on us.

Totally agree., can't believe some people.

[Sockeye Salmon]

We had one of the worst supporters I've come across in ages near us. Started abusing our players half way through the first half. He ended up in a nice blue with the bloke in front of him (all to do with how the dickheads beer ended up in his lap :D).

Then the tool had the nerve to complain about the supporters around him.

Had another one behind me who was a one man commentry team, "kick it, KICK IT!. What did you kick it for?". He was good natured and a laugh, though.

[soupman]

We had one of the worst supporters I've come across in ages near us. Started abusing our players half way through the first half. He ended up in a nice blue with the bloke in front of him (all to do with how the dickheads beer ended up in his lap :D).

Then the tool had the nerve to complain about the supporters around him.

Had another one behind me who was a one man commentry team, "kick it, KICK IT!. What did you kick it for?". He was good natured and a laugh, though.

It amazes me just how many supporters don't understand the concept of supporting a side.

We had one bloke near us who for the whole first half shouted out negative stuff, with not one positive thing. The worst part however was that it was often completely unrealistic or unjustified criticisms ie. Our player would be chasing a Swan, but when they got shepperded (sp?) he would crack the shits because they didn't try hard enough, despite doing everything right.

There was also another bloke that started bagging Hahn. Now thats quite possible understandable when Hahn stuffs up in play, but that wasn't the situation. This was in the warmups, when Hahn did something like mark the ball in the general goalkicking they tend to do, and this bloke shouts out dead serious "Stop being so timid Hahn". It is the warmup for gods sake.

[Ozza]

Yep Smorgon was right to appeal to the so called supporters. Keep this up and we will end up like North.

Agreed.

For me, I don't get to pick and choose when to support my side. When the Bulldogs are playing - we go to the footy...its just what we do on weekends.
Was so disappointing to be outnumbered by an interstate team at a final - in what could have been Brad Johnson's final game.

Was great to get a good come from behind win after Sydney were playing superb footy early. Was great that Johnno played reasonably well and with plenty of energy. Was great to see another player who supporters love to spray - Gia, stand up and kick the important goals we need despite having to sacrifice his own game (again) to try and shut out (firstly) McVeigh and then Shaw.

The crowds have been down at all of the finals so far this year. Even Geelong/St.Kilda only had 63,000 - and it may be to do with the ticket pricing - and in the first weekend the weather was sh1t. But if you didn't go to the game because you thought we'd lose, and you're shattered you missed it - then I'm sorry - you copped your right whack.

[LostDoggy]

I am a reserved seat, social club member and I admit the cost of tickets is a factor in me attending finals. I missed week 1 due to a prior engagement, and went on Saturday night mainly because it could've been Johnno's last game. I will be there again this week for the same reason. I cried after Saturdays game, it was an amazing feeling and I was so happy for Johnno. I hope to see us win a preliminary final, come on Dogs!! :)

[LostDoggy]

Well, it's all about the reason, isn't it? If you didn't go because you thought we'd lose, or if you didn't go because you were disappointed in a lack of heart or effort from the week before, I believe are two different things. Any club thinking that it can turn on a weak display, offer no valid reasonable explanation and then turn on their supporters for walking away is kidding itself. It's a typical us-versus-them, working-class mentality that quite frankly shits me up the wall. Collingwood's Heath Shaw summed it up beautifully on Sunday's Footy Show when he talked about what he thought was the catalyst for their year — a winning culture that sees them play every game to win it no matter what.

There are no gimmes in competitive sport.

If the club wants to cry foul that their supporters stayed away, they need to be honest with themselves and ask why. It's healthy sometimes for any organisation to have it's revenue affected, it can be the best way to snap things into place. I honestly believe that sometimes fans can be detrimental, especially when they pat players on the back for lacklustre performances. They need to be held accountable, and when they turn on bad games (which they'll all do, all teams do) they need to be open and honest about why.

The teams that do this the best — Essendon, Hawthorn, West Coast — all enjoy VERY solid membership numbers, because the members know they're valued and wanted, and they know the club will work hard for them, not feed them some bullshit line. Rocket and the club might have contempt for the media, and some would argue rightly so, but they forget sometimes that behind the eyes and ears of reporters are the minds of members, who read the paper looking for an answer to why things are going wrong and are greeted with spin and bullshit.

Bagging out fellow supporters for being disappointed is not the way to success. First ask yourself: Does this person have a valid reason to be disappointed? Start there…

[Sockeye Salmon]

Well, it's all about the reason, isn't it? If you didn't go because you thought we'd lose, or if you didn't go because you were disappointed in a lack of heart or effort from the week before, I believe are two different things. Any club thinking that it can turn on a weak display, offer no valid reasonable explanation and then turn on their supporters for walking away is kidding itself. It's a typical us-versus-them, working-class mentality that quite frankly shits me up the wall. Collingwood's Heath Shaw summed it up beautifully on Sunday's Footy Show when he talked about what he thought was the catalyst for their year — a winning culture that sees them play every game to win it no matter what.

There are no gimmes in competitive sport.

If the club wants to cry foul that their supporters stayed away, they need to be honest with themselves and ask why. It's healthy sometimes for any organisation to have it's revenue affected, it can be the best way to snap things into place. I honestly believe that sometimes fans can be detrimental, especially when they pat players on the back for lacklustre performances. They need to be held accountable, and when they turn on bad games (which they'll all do, all teams do) they need to be open and honest about why.

The teams that do this the best — Essendon, Hawthorn, West Coast — all enjoy VERY solid membership numbers, because the members know they're valued and wanted, and they know the club will work hard for them, not feed them some bullshit line. Rocket and the club might have contempt for the media, and some would argue rightly so, but they forget sometimes that behind the eyes and ears of reporters are the minds of members, who read the paper looking for an answer to why things are going wrong and are greeted with spin and bullshit.

Bagging out fellow supporters for being disappointed is not the way to success. First ask yourself: Does this person have a valid reason to be disappointed? Start there…

That's a whole load of bollocks

[LostDoggy]

That's a whole load of bollocks

Somehow "bollocks" doesn't do it justice.

But it's a start

[mighty_west]

Well, it's all about the reason, isn't it? If you didn't go because you thought we'd lose, or if you didn't go because you were disappointed in a lack of heart or effort from the week before, I believe are two different things. Any club thinking that it can turn on a weak display, offer no valid reasonable explanation and then turn on their supporters for walking away is kidding itself. It's a typical us-versus-them, working-class mentality that quite frankly shits me up the wall. Collingwood's Heath Shaw summed it up beautifully on Sunday's Footy Show when he talked about what he thought was the catalyst for their year — a winning culture that sees them play every game to win it no matter what.

There are no gimmes in competitive sport.

If the club wants to cry foul that their supporters stayed away, they need to be honest with themselves and ask why. It's healthy sometimes for any organisation to have it's revenue affected, it can be the best way to snap things into place. I honestly believe that sometimes fans can be detrimental, especially when they pat players on the back for lacklustre performances. They need to be held accountable, and when they turn on bad games (which they'll all do, all teams do) they need to be open and honest about why.

The teams that do this the best — Essendon, Hawthorn, West Coast — all enjoy VERY solid membership numbers, because the members know they're valued and wanted, and they know the club will work hard for them, not feed them some bullshit line. Rocket and the club might have contempt for the media, and some would argue rightly so, but they forget sometimes that behind the eyes and ears of reporters are the minds of members, who read the paper looking for an answer to why things are going wrong and are greeted with spin and bullshit.

Bagging out fellow supporters for being disappointed is not the way to success. First ask yourself: Does this person have a valid reason to be disappointed? Start there…

I cannot believe any side goes out with a lack of heart, there are far too many players, men, in the public eye who would be embaressed to the extreme if they generally ran out there and just gave up, yes you may get the odd player who doesn't seem to care, but by large, the majority of players go out and give their 100%.

We were all there in 2003, and 1996, we got hammered a few times, and i mean REALLY hammered, the North & Carlton games at the G in the mid 90's were two of the worst i have ever witnessed, the Mothers Day game v Freo at Docklands was also a real shocker, then off course we have the Geelong game this year.

For whatever reason's, and i also go back to injuries, and making players look like they don't give 100%, when they are restricted in ways that it is impossible to go that extra mile, there is nothing more frustrating as a player, let alone for his supporters, that may be more an issue for the MC, but never say we had no heart, that is total BS.

It may have also to do with structures & game plans, and hey, terams just do have off days, off weeks, Geelong had an off month last year, they also won the GF, does that mean they played with no heart during that time?

The bad times, such as 96, 03, most of the times it can look like players don't try hard enough, perhaps they try too hard, and not work smart enough, there is a massive difference there, lack of confidence is also another reason, why do players, gun players have off periods? why did Greg Chappell make all those ducks in a row, why did Bradman make a duck in his final innings? did they show no heart? why do great teams have off times, i'm sure it's not because a lack of heart.

[Picken Knows]

It's healthy sometimes for any organisation to have it's revenue affected, it can be the best way to snap things into place. [/b]

The club did not lose 1 cent by you not going on Saturday night. The AFL take all of the money from finals ticket sales.

What you lost, was the chance to be amongst fellow bulldog members celebrating won of the better wins in our history.



Does this person have a valid reason to be disappointed? Start there…

Yes.

Does this mean the person has a valid reason not to attend a final?

No.


The Magpies have played in 167 finals and the bulldogs have played in less than 30.

I don't think we have the luxury to pick and chose the finals we go to.

[LostDoggy]

That's a whole load of bollocks


Somehow "bollocks" doesn't do it justice.

But it's a start

I'm on this forum for debate and to discuss the club. If you want to discuss something I've written, then discuss it. Just writing “that's a load of bollocks” doesn't add anything to the argument.


The club did not lose 1 cent by you not going on Saturday night. The AFL take all of the money from finals ticket sales.

What you lost, was the chance to be amongst fellow bulldog members celebrating won of the better wins in our history.

Yes.

Does this mean the person has a valid reason not to attend a final?

No.

The Magpies have played in 167 finals and the bulldogs have played in less than 30.

I don't think we have the luxury to pick and chose the finals we go to.

That's not what I'm talking about in terms of revenue. I'm talking about the membership numbers. Pointing your finger at supporters after a performance like the one in the Qual Final is not going to boost your membership.

Also, please consider that my reasons are very real. It's not a load of bollocks — that's how I feel. The reasons I gave are the exact reasons I stayed away, and I shared them with you all in response to an article I felt trivialised the role a club should take in being open and accountable. I wasn't at the game, but I sat in a pub in the city and screamed at the TV, heart pounding like everybody else's I suspect. I pay my way every year, and I have the right to voice my concerns.

The fact I get shot down immediately is — I feel — an indication of just how much our fans don't get it sometimes. Perhaps I'm just sick of the club not being able to handle the pressure of not being the underdog. It seems we have to be the rank outsiders to show some spirit.

Let's hope I'm proven wrong this weekend. I'll gladly print out my original post on 250gsm paper and eat it.

[bornadog]

I'm on this forum for debate and to discuss the club. If you want to discuss something I've written, then discuss it. Just writing “that's a load of bollocks” doesn't add anything to the argument.



That's not what I'm talking about in terms of revenue. I'm talking about the membership numbers. Pointing your finger at supporters after a performance like the one in the Qual Final is not going to boost your membership.

Also, please consider that my reasons are very real. It's not a load of bollocks — that's how I feel. The reasons I gave are the exact reasons I stayed away, and I shared them with you all in response to an article I felt trivialised the role a club should take in being open and accountable. I wasn't at the game, but I sat in a pub in the city and screamed at the TV, heart pounding like everybody else's I suspect. I pay my way every year, and I have the right to voice my concerns.

The fact I get shot down immediately is — I feel — an indication of just how much our fans don't get it sometimes. Perhaps I'm just sick of the club not being able to handle the pressure of not being the underdog. It seems we have to be the rank outsiders to show some spirit.

Let's hope I'm proven wrong this weekend. I'll gladly print out my original post on 250gsm paper and eat it.

I don't believe the club pointed the finger at anyone, all they were askling for is loyalty, because if they don't ask, people don't bother supporting the club. This doesnot happen at many clubs and I don't understand why it happens at our club.

North supporters are worse, oh wait Fitzroy and South Melbourne were worse and now they have dissappeared and don't exist. Is that what you want.

[boydogs]

North supporters are worse, oh wait Fitzroy and South Melbourne were worse and now they have dissappeared and don't exist. Is that what you want.

That's missing the point BAS is tying to make


Rocket and the club might have contempt for the media, and some would argue rightly so, but they forget sometimes that behind the eyes and ears of reporters are the minds of members, who read the paper looking for an answer to why things are going wrong and are greeted with spin and bullshit.

Readers of the Bulldog magazine & the Seadogs report have commented on WOOF previously that communication with members is poor. Injury lists on the website are often patently incorrect. The club doesn't make the effort to keep members up to date with what is happening