Cheering on the Bulldogs at the Valley

We're cheering on the Bulldogs at the Valley


The legions of long-suffering Bulldogs supporters had their day when Moonee Valley held its annual Grand Final day at the Ormond Park clubrooms.

Valley players and supporters who had not been born when the Scraggers won their last flag in 1954 - or even when they played in their last Grand Final against the Mighty Hawthorn in 1961 - came together with a mixture of pride and trepidation when the Western Bulldogs challenged Sydney in the game that mattered.
At left: Bulldogs supporters (some of them real supporters) L-R Ben Thomas, Jesse Nankivell-Sandor and partner Nysaa, and Matt Thomas (Bulldog impostor). 

About 40 Valley players, supporters and family were together for the event, with a spit roast and salad, plenty of drinks and games for the kids - and of course a big screen TV to watch all the action.

Lifelong Footscray supporter Dean Jukic was at the clubrooms early to get the spit going and to give instruction on how to cook it, before heading off to the MCG for a "prior commitment".

Partner Agatha Soccio was at Ormond Park with the crowd, who were overwhelmingly Bulldog barrackers and cheered every goal, every defensive mark and every strong tackle, and groaned whenever Sydney gained the ascendancy.

At right: Real Bulldogs supporters - Ben Thomas (left) with Dean Jukic - who returned triumphant to the Valley after the game.

Club President Charlie Walker acknowledged how gracious the Mighty Hawthorn was, to step aside in the finals this year and allow two other clubs the chance of winning a premiership for a change. This time, it was the Western Bulldogs. Congratulations to all our Moonee Valley members and supporters who saw and lived the dream.