The Western Bulldogs launched the coming year in style this week at the official 2011 Season Launch held at Crown Palladium. Over 900 members and fans joined players, coaches and administration staff to welcome the new season and present the 2011 players with their iconic guernseys.
Senior Coach Rodney Eade and new Captain Matthew Boyd were front and centre as the team were unveiled, leading the team off stage and into the sea of tables.
Club President David Smorgon OAM addressed the crowd and started by declaring, “I am proud to be a one-eyed, passionate Bulldog through and through.
And I know that most of you in the audience feel and act the same way.” He shared the Club’s commitment to continuing the Decade of the Dogs, to sustained growth and development and, of course, to winning premierships. “This is what we’re here for. This is what you sign up as members for.”
To present the 2011 players with their guernseys, the Club called on one of its recent greats to join Coach Eade on stage. Former skipper Brad Johnson was, as always, all smiles as they called on each player to collect their coveted guernsey. Experienced players, like Will Minson, Ryan Griffen and Shaun Higgins, all drew big cheers as they hit the stage, while sons of sons of the West - Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore - proved just as popular. And when Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney’s name was called, the room responded with the familiar ‘Cooney call’.
Exciting new recruit Zephaniah Skinner was a crowd favourite revealing Rocket’s simple instruction to him, “Just go out there and play footy.” Also a big hit was larrikin Barry Hall who drew laughs when he commented on his connection with number one female ticket holder, Prime Minister Julia Gillard: “I’m actually going dibs for her Head of Security when I finish footy...”
And, all too soon, the night drew to a close after the evening’s raffle was drawn. First prize was two tickets to Captains Reunion, one of two events announced by Mr Smorgon that will raise much-needed funds to help bulldoze the Club’s $5 million historical debt. The Captains Reunion in June will bring together past players and fans to celebrate the transformation of the Whitten Oval and the Western Bulldogs Football Club. Tickets start at $165 with all proceeds going to Bulldoze the Debt. And in April, the Red, White & Blue Ribbon Event will be remembered as a defining moment in the Club’s history, with the $2,500 per head evening aiming to wipe over $1 million from the debt.
With the season now just a week away, the boys are ready to take to the field to claim the flag we all want and deserve. It’s time to cheer on the red, white and blue all the way to the Grand Final. Go Dogs!
