$5million' Dog Fight

[Rocket Science]

'$5million' Dog Fight (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/million-dog-fight/story-e6frf9jf-1226132606528)

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/3658/027612dima.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/696/027612dima.jpg/)

Michael Warner From: Herald Sun September 09, 2011

WESTERN Bulldogs agitator Paul Dimattina is preparing to unveil a "white knight" in his bid to unseat David Smorgon as president.

Dimattina has told backers he has secured a commitment of up to $5 million from a Melbourne businessman who barracks for the Dogs.

Smorgon has previously scoffed at suggestions a rival ticket could raise the money to wipe the Bulldogs' debt.

"If they come along with a bank cheque for $4 million, they will have my resignation immediately," Smorgon told the Herald Sun in June.

"I will gladly step down, as I'm sure every other board member would."

Dimattina, 36, has made it clear the money will only come if Smorgon steps aside.

The former Bulldogs star and restaurant owner, who did not return calls yesterday, is expected to make his move as soon as the club secures a new senior coach.

He will first seek a meeting with Smorgon - club president since 1996 - in the hope he will walk without a fight.

But the identity of Dimattina's supposed backers remains a mystery. It is also unclear who would assume the job of president.

Former Bulldogs champion Simon Beasley says he has no involvement in the ticket.

Ex-Bulldogs president Nick Columb has also ruled out an interest.

Dimattina told the Herald Sun in June: "We're not trying to cause a coup. We don't want bloodshed. This isn't a power trip or an ego trip. It is to benefit a football club.

"I just want to make sure that the club is in such a strong position that it is thriving and not hanging on by a tightrope.

"I am hoping my son (Kai) plays there in 10 or 11 years. He loves the club."

Smorgon declined to comment yesterday, but hit out at plotting forces before Saturday's clash with Fremantle at Etihad Stadium where he announced the appointment of former Myer chief financial officer Gary Kent as a new board member.

"There have been threats to this board for several months," Smorgon said. "But they had their chance to stand for the board late last year and didn't put up their hands.

"We have a process in place to ensure we get the right people representing the club."

--------------------------------------

[bornadog]

Will be interesting who this person is? If he has so much money why is he holding the club to ransom?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Will be interesting who this person is? If he has so much money why is he holding the club to ransom?

I can understand it to a degree.

They want a new board and president to lead the club. They are willing to put all their time, money and effort into it - but rightfully so - don't want Smorgon and the current board to 'reap' the rewards. They probably figure if they are going to wipe away all the debt, then they deserve (and want) to take over the club.

Given most of us think Smorgon's time has come, I think it makes sense.

However - I think they keep doing too much talking. It's time for action.

[KT31]

I have concerns as to wether they are trying to help the club or purshase it outright.
A onme off benifactor is vary rarely a good sollution, Melbourne and Joseph Gutnick are a great example.

[LostDoggy]

They want a new board and president to lead the club. They are willing to put all their time, money and effort into it - but rightfully so - don't want Smorgon and the current board to 'reap' the rewards. They probably figure if they are going to wipe away all the debt, then they deserve (and want) to take over the club.


I can understand that they don't want the current board to take any credit or reward from such a finacial boost, but why so 'cloak and dagger' about it all? Why not come out and say "Hi my name is *** and I am willing to fund a new change within this organisation"????
Seems a bit shady saying we'll only come out if they leave.:confused:

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I can understand that they don't want the current board to take any credit or reward from such a finacial boost, but why so 'cloak and dagger' about it all? Why not come out and say "Hi my name is *** and I am willing to fund a new change within this organisation"????
Seems a bit shady saying we'll only come out if they leave.:confused:

I took it as them waiting for the right moment, but that they will come out after we've appointed a head coach.

Agree it's still shady and isn't doing us any favours at the moment.

[MrMahatma]

Hopefully all this fuss won't turn decent coaches away.

If they can wipe the debt though, happy days.

[Remi Moses]

Will be interesting who this person is? If he has so much money why is he holding the club to ransom?

Callan Ward? Maybe Mrs Ward has raided Cal's wallet!

[Topdog]

If they are going to do it they need to get in before the new coach is appointed. What if they don't like the new coach?

[chef]

Will be interesting who this person is? If he has so much money why is he holding the club to ransom?

Maybe he doesn't want to invest his money in a business model he doesn't trust.

[LostDoggy]

If they are going to do it they need to get in before the new coach is appointed. What if they don't like the new coach?

This has to be the 'grey area' of the whole thing. The phantom spender no doubt doesn't want to invest in a business with missing pieces, I only hope he is happy with who is selected as coach or he could sour?

[1eyedog]

Will be interesting who this person is? If he has so much money why is he holding the club to ransom?

You've got to get some return on five million, you don't just give it away. It's hardly ransom. I'm sure whoever has the money is not trying to 'buy' Smorgon and the board out because they can, they are obviously dissatisfied with how things are going and believe they can make amendments.

Paying off our debt would certainly be just that.

[bornadog]

If they are going to do it they need to get in before the new coach is appointed. What if they don't like the new coach?

The article says they want to wait till the new coach is appointed. Thats good, because they don't want to interfere with the operations of the club.

[Maddog37]

The article says they want to wait till the new coach is appointed. Thats good, because they don't want to interfere with the operations of the club.

That was my impression also. Also many people that donate funds to footy clubs etc prefer to remain anonymous. Could be that simple.....

[Mantis]

That was my impression also. Also many people that donate funds to footy clubs etc prefer to remain anonymous. Could be that simple.....

If that was the case story this wouldn't be in the paper.

Dimma is making a big song & dance about this 'white knight' so it's obvious they want the publicity.

[Maddog37]

I am hearing you Mantis but maybe it s the Dimma ticket that wants the media attention but the banker prefers to be in the background.

[The Doctor]

Is Dimma really making a big song and dance? I can't see any quotes from him in the article. So who knows what is happening.

I think though that if Dimma is serious about a challenge he would not be so foolish to make any challenge without some heavy firepower. He's obviously a smart businessman and knows a challenge to Smorgon on a "his time is up basis" wouldn't work. Smorgon is a formidable opponent and no doubt still has many supporters, and seems to have the press on side.

Dimma will need to be well prepared and bring some juicy goodies to the table to have a realistic chance.

[w3design]

Callan Ward? Maybe Mrs Ward has raided Cal's wallet!

Very funny:)

[LostDoggy]

Don't normally listen to what Greg Denham has to say, but interesting comment he made his morning. The white knight would need to be better than James Brayshaw's at north, who didn't eventuate.

[w3design]

Don't normally listen to what Greg Denham has to say, but interesting comment he made his morning. The white knight would need to be better than James Brayshaw's at north, who didn't eventuate.

James Brayshaw has explained that his three white knights all hit trouble when the economy hit the wall .The economic conditions still are up in the air and if our white knight still has enough to wipe our debt he must be loaded.

Hope it's not just talk and it happens this could be just the turn in our fortune's thats takes us to our 2nd flag .

That day i have dreamed of for 35 years .

[Desipura]

What is our current debt?
Where will the surplus amount of this 5 million be spent?

[bornadog]

What is our current debt?
Where will the surplus amount of this 5 million be spent?

Debt was $5 million, but I believe the Bulldoze the debt campaign has eliminated about $1 million. If the balance could be tipped into equipment, then we can kick off the new year in a very strong position.

[Desipura]

Debt was $5 million, but I believe the Bulldoze the debt campaign has eliminated about $1 million. If the balance could be tipped into equipment, then we can kick off the new year in a very strong position.

We will never compete with the best unless we can pay our Assistants more.
Furthermore, we need a list manager.
Are we paying any players outside of the salary cap via the ASA (Additional Salary Allowance I believe it stands for). You can spend up to $500k outside the cap under this allowance. Its basically a 3rd party arrangement that is well within the rules.

[w3design]

We will never compete with the best unless we can pay our Assistants more.
Furthermore, we need a list manager.
Are we paying any players outside of the salary cap via the ASA (Additional Salary Allowance I believe it stands for). You can spend up to $500k outside the cap under this allowance. Its basically a 3rd party arrangement that is well within the rules.

We pay all that $500K for the A.S.A plus 100% of the salary cap .

[LostDoggy]

James Brayshaw has explained that his three white knights all hit trouble when the economy hit the wall .The economic conditions still are up in the air and if our white knight still has enough to wipe our debt he must be loaded.

Hope it's not just talk and it happens this could be just the turn in our fortune's thats takes us to our 2nd flag .

That day i have dreamed of for 35 years .

I agree, we don't need to have our hopes raised and then be let down. As Bulldogs members, we're sick of having our hearts broken.

[bornadog]

James Brayshaw has explained that his three white knights all hit trouble when the economy hit the wall .The economic conditions still are up in the air and if our white knight still has enough to wipe our debt he must be loaded.

Hope it's not just talk and it happens this could be just the turn in our fortune's thats takes us to our 2nd flag .

That day i have dreamed of for 35 years .

Yeah, well said Billy boy.

Smorgon commented today that if someone wants to come and talk to him about what they can do for the club, he is happy to listen to them.

[Prince Imperial]

We pay all that $500K for the A.S.A plus 100% of the salary cap .

We've also have two players on the Veterans list being counted only 50% into the cap. The ASA is expected to go up another 250k under the latest offer by the AFL to the players. With Ward going and our list having a heavy emphasis on old and young and with not a lot in between I think the club will seek to spend less on players' salaries over the next couple of years and shove some of that money into other areas of the football department.

[w3design]

We've also have two players on the Veterans list being counted only 50% into the cap. The ASA is expected to go up another 250k under the latest offer by the AFL to the players. With Ward going and our list having a heavy emphasis on old and young and with not a lot in between I think the club will seek to spend less on players' salaries over the next couple of years and shove some of that money into other areas of the football department.

I think your right they might save cash unless they get some one that commands what we were willing to pay ward. But not just trading for trading sake.

[LostDoggy]

We pay all that $500K for the A.S.A plus 100% of the salary cap .

How does the $500,000 work? West Coast has 50+ ASAs, how do they fit it in there? I can't imagine an ASA for $10,000 (on average) would be worth it.

[Topdog]

The article says they want to wait till the new coach is appointed. Thats good, because they don't want to interfere with the operations of the club.

No it's terrible because they are going to be coming into the club with ppl that they didn't appoint. Basically gives them an out if the new coach is no good (Hey we didn't sign him). Will lead to more de-stability.

[anfo27]

No it's terrible because they are going to be coming into the club with ppl that they didn't appoint. Basically gives them an out if the new coach is no good (Hey we didn't sign him). Will lead to more de-stability.

didn't Jimmy Stynes do that to Paul MaNamee?

[Remi Moses]

No it's terrible because they are going to be coming into the club with ppl that they didn't appoint. Basically gives them an out if the new coach is no good (Hey we didn't sign him). Will lead to more de-stability.

Not sure about this,hard to question the credentials of Grant, Harley . They've put in a committee to select the coach. Surely that would be respected .

[cinder]

Nice coat Dimma...

[Mitcha]

'$5million' Dog Fight (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/million-dog-fight/story-e6frf9jf-1226132606528)

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/3658/027612dima.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/696/027612dima.jpg/)

Michael Warner From: Herald Sun September 09, 2011

WESTERN Bulldogs agitator Paul Dimattina is preparing to unveil a "white knight" in his bid to unseat David Smorgon as president.

Dimattina has told backers he has secured a commitment of up to $5 million from a Melbourne businessman who barracks for the Dogs.

Smorgon has previously scoffed at suggestions a rival ticket could raise the money to wipe the Bulldogs' debt.

"If they come along with a bank cheque for $4 million, they will have my resignation immediately," Smorgon told the Herald Sun in June.

"I will gladly step down, as I'm sure every other board member would."

Dimattina, 36, has made it clear the money will only come if Smorgon steps aside.

The former Bulldogs star and restaurant owner, who did not return calls yesterday, is expected to make his move as soon as the club secures a new senior coach.

He will first seek a meeting with Smorgon - club president since 1996 - in the hope he will walk without a fight.

But the identity of Dimattina's supposed backers remains a mystery. It is also unclear who would assume the job of president.

Former Bulldogs champion Simon Beasley says he has no involvement in the ticket.

Ex-Bulldogs president Nick Columb has also ruled out an interest.

Dimattina told the Herald Sun in June: "We're not trying to cause a coup. We don't want bloodshed. This isn't a power trip or an ego trip. It is to benefit a football club.

"I just want to make sure that the club is in such a strong position that it is thriving and not hanging on by a tightrope.

"I am hoping my son (Kai) plays there in 10 or 11 years. He loves the club."

Smorgon declined to comment yesterday, but hit out at plotting forces before Saturday's clash with Fremantle at Etihad Stadium where he announced the appointment of former Myer chief financial officer Gary Kent as a new board member.

"There have been threats to this board for several months," Smorgon said. "But they had their chance to stand for the board late last year and didn't put up their hands.

"We have a process in place to ensure we get the right people representing the club."

--------------------------------------
Have heard from a very reputable source that the bolded parts are not exactly true. I am not sure I want a bloke who has already given up on the club previously (Columb) anywhere near future decision makers and Beaser has obviously had some issues of his own.

[bornadog]

Have heard from a very reputable source that the bolded parts are not exactly true. I am not sure I want a bloke who has already given up on the club previously (Columb) anywhere near future decision makers and Beaser has obviously had some issues of his own.

I have made my feelings clear about Columb before. He better stay away.:mad:

http://www.woof.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=9364&highlight=columb

[FrediKanoute]

I heard that it was Roman Abramovic having tired of Chelsea he has decided to pump a whole lot of moola into the Bulldogs......he has a few things though that he wants to change:

1) We have to recruit Fernando Torres and play him at full forward regardless of whether he kicks goals or not;
2) Every year after we win the GF he reserves the right to argue with the coach and sack them if they don't agree or if they drop Fernando Torres;
3) The team colours need to change from Red White and Blue to just Blue;
4) The team's name needs to change from Western Bulldogs to South Western Bulldogs
4) He wants the club to relocate to SW London and play home games on a square ground that he owns called Stamford Bridge......

[bold-dogg]

Smorgon has been a great president for this club, steering it through tough times off the field and plenty of success on the field, and continues to be passionate about the club and the job. Why should he step down without knowing where it's all going? The members would want to be sure too, before risking a president who has mostly been very good for the club. All cards on the table.

[BulldogBelle]

Here is a bit more!

Bulldogs rise above attacks
The Age
Caroline Wilson
September 10, 2011

THE most generous interpretation of Paul Dimattina's behaviour this season is that he has been poorly advised, suffers from chronic indecision and lacks the courage of his convictions. A less indulgent assessment is he has damaged his old club, the Western Bulldogs, with snide innuendo in what has been a difficult year.

Dimattina threw his first punch in April. Now it is September and he has still failed to land one. His campaign, if you can call it that, has lacked bravery and clarity, and most of all credibility. He seems another in a long line of agitators who have haunted the club for decades and yet have failed to offer anything constructive.

Certainly he threatened to divide the Bulldogs by suggesting - through his various ''forces'' - that club director Susan Alberti should be president from next season with Dimattina to be part of a succession plan.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/bulldogs-rise-above-attacks-20110909-1k232.html#ixzz1XUYANjYk


http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/bulldogs-rise-above-attacks-20110909-1k232.html

[ledge]

Makes me laugh, the press bring up names then contradicts itself at the end by saying the names mentioned deny it all

[Chicago1]

'$5million' Dog Fight (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/million-dog-fight/story-e6frf9jf-1226132606528)




Kinda like this comment:

Jim of Chicago USA Posted at 3:59 AM September 09, 2011

Either put up or shut up, Dimma. Where were you last year when you had the chance to challenge Smorgo? If I win $5 million in Las Vegas during my visit in December, I'll challenge Smorgo myself! LOL

Comment 5 of 13

[ledge]

Kinda like this comment:

Jim of Chicago USA Posted at 3:59 AM September 09, 2011

Either put up or shut up, Dimma. Where were you last year when you had the chance to challenge Smorgo? If I win $5 million in Las Vegas during my visit in December, I'll challenge Smorgo myself! LOL

Comment 5 of 13

I think you have more chance of winning the 5 million
Apparently its only 4 million now so Dimma should have no problem.

[Topdog]

Not sure about this,hard to question the credentials of Grant, Harley . They've put in a committee to select the coach. Surely that would be respected .

the committee give their recommendations to the board who make the final decision.

Absolutely pointless to wait until after a coach has signed. Also means that the coach is uncertain of who his potential boss is and what is expected of him.

[Remi Moses]

Come on Dimma put up FFs!
The constant innuendo and sniping are hurting the football club you supposedly want to see your kids play for!! :mad:

[Desipura]

I went to Dimattina's for lunch yesterday and asked a work colleague of his whether he was going to challenge Smorgo, he said he will shortly.

[LostDoggy]

New Coach Appointed - Dimattina seems very quiet ????

[bornadog]

New Coach Appointed - Dimattina seems very quiet ????

I would expect after the granny he may make his move.

[GVGjr]

I would expect after the granny he may make his move.

Strongly tipped to happen? Dimma hasn't really stepped forward like all the rumors indicate he will. Time will tell if he actually has the right intentions.

[bornadog]

Strongly tipped to happen? Dimma hasn't really stepped forward like all the rumors indicate he will. Time will tell if he actually has the right intentions.

Yes they are all rumours. I think I read somewhere that he was going to wait till the coach was appointed and after the finals.

[azabob]

Yes they are all rumours. I think I read somewhere that he was going to wait till the coach was appointed and after the finals.

Im unsure why he needs to wait after finals. We didn't make them.
Also I reckon we'll next read he'll wait till after the B&F then it will be after the Christmas break.

(PS not having a go at you bornadog), more at the media with the speculation.