As alluded to yesterday, I have written to Peter Gordon in response to his communications to members in recent days. I was not going to post it all here but I have... this is why I feel the way I do about the Dogs (see if you pick up the theme) and what I hope is a reasoned and pragmatic view on the events of the past couple of days. Good morning Peter. This is an open letter to you, but also to the board and management of our mighty Western Bulldogs Football Club. It is written in response to recent communications from you with regard to events of the past few days. I hope you get the opportunity to read it and respond. I am not a lifelong member. I am not even a lifelong Bulldogs supporter. I popped in for a visit and stayed. Sons of the west. It was circumstance that brought me to the windswept terraces of the Western Oval on always cold and often wet winter Saturdays. I kept coming back. The pride and passion got to me and my colours became Red, White and Blue. Rain, hail or shine. I would take up my prime position next to the race with similarly obsessed family, friends and strangers and watch our heroes come out snarling. We’ve seen the best of times, we’ve seen the worst of times. Whether it was the exhilarating charge to finals or the famous Fight Back, we’ve been there together, Bulldogs through and through. Few more so than you Peter, but who could forget those tumultuous yet ultimately momentous days of 1989. The extraordinary Fight Back that saw all forms of rallying and fundraising to see the ‘dogs rise up in the west… and the north, and the south and the east! Bulldogs fight and Bulldogs roar. From the depths of being moments from extinction to being a genuine premiership contender, and absolutely everything in between, I have drawn much satisfaction from the knowledge that, at all times, we give our very best. From 1985 through to 2010, we had our share of opportunity and fell heartbreakingly short of the big dance all too often; who can forget the emotional devastation and emptiness of ’97? There were years in that period where we were simply the best team to watch; you dared to dream because they can’t beat the boys of the Bulldog breed. The current generation of players are young, energetic and seriously talented. We need to guide them and develop them. We need to mould them into loyal Bulldogs of old regardless of who is or is not amongst them. They are the future of this great football club, the Western Bulldogs Football Club, the team of the mighty west. Peter, I wrote the above background after the news our captain Ryan Griffen wished to seek a trade, and before the departure of our coach Brendan McCartney. It holds quite true in light of yesterday’s selfless decision. As you and the club no doubt are, I too am disappointed. I am disappointed that Ryan Griffen, our captain, has expressed his desire to leave our great club. After recent murmurings of discontent amongst the playing group, this news made it all too real. I work in change management and fell into the familiar personal transitions curve – moving from denial and disbelief, rapidly though anger and then to letting go and, finally, acceptance. My suggestion to the club is that if Ryan, or any other player, does not want to play with their heart shrouded in our jumper then show the promised aggression at the trade table and get the best deal for the future of the football club. It is only my opininon, but sadly I do not think Ryan fits in our future. I am disappointed that Brendan McCartney has exited the kennel. Disappointed because from afar he appears to be a quality person of the highest order, as you confirmed from experience in the press conference. His oration at the 2013 Rising Star left me feeling that I had just listened to a simple and humble man, but one with a passion and dedication to football and his football club. I was left feeling I would be very happy should my son (if I had one) be drafted by his club. I will watch that again today. Perhaps, with the wisdom of hindsight, Macca is simply an outstanding developer of young footballers and not suited to be a head coach. Please pass on my thanks for his 3 years and best wishes for whatever the future holds for him. I am not necessarily disappointed with the decision, and it is irrelevant whether it be his, the club’s or mutual. It is clear that, sadly, his position had become untenable. Perhaps its making (the decision) points to the quality of the person and the timing to the evolution and improvement of the administration. You now must remain open and transparent and keep your members informed. I am disappointed that our club is painted as being in crisis. The season has passed, trade week is upon us and we have launched our bold new logo. Yet we are faced with rumour and innuendo about what has and has not happened and what people have and have not said. The bottom line is that none of this is good for the club right now. In hindsight, the launch of the new logo and #bemorebulldog campaign could not have been more ill-timed. I have not been to an AFL game for some years now and last year reduced from Social Club member to Armchair; in part for financial reasons but as much for the way the game is heading. Yesterday, I was ready to cancel my membership altogether and give it all away. If I can afford to, I am now considering increasing my membership again as a show of support for the club. I have an idea on member engagement but that is for another time. Peter, you left a legacy 25 years ago. That legacy is the club that you now preside over. What stands before you now as President and leader of this club is altogether different yet in its own way is just as significant, especially to the younger generation of members and supporters. The opportunity to recover and position the Western Bulldogs as a force to be reckoned with for years to come should generate excitement and drive the passion of everyone at the club. I would give almost anything to be a part of that and work at the club. I will simply do my best as a member. Far be it for me to tell you, Simon Garlick and co how to do your jobs, so I won’t. Just know that you do have Bulldogs people behind you and that you can not, and will not, please all the people all the time. Trust me, as an umpire I am reminded of that each week! Good luck in the selection of our new coach, the trade period and draft and all that goes with the list management, including Ryan Griffen. We (you) are going to be in the spotlight for reasons we would prefer not to be facing but stand proud, hold your heads high and we will come through this like every other challenge that has faced us in our 130 year history. I know you will be inundated, and quite likely this will not even get to you or any Peter, but I welcome a response and believe that all correspondence from members should be considered and responded to because if you don’t look after your members, someone else will. #bemorebulldog #gatherthepack Sincerely, Sean Clarke, Bulldog for Life Member
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 07:08:12 +0000