Bulldogs rule out move back to Belmore

Hagan said he understood the supporters' concerns, but a move back to Belmore was simply not feasible. "We would look at it if it was a possibility because that's what the fans want, but it's not an option," Hagan said. "The ground is on (Canterbury City) Council land and is in a residential area, so we wouldn't be able to develop it.

"It falls short of the NRL criteria in terms of television requirements, corporate requirements, parking and seating." When asked if the club would consider buying the ground off the council, Hagan replied: "even if we did, the cost of redeveloping it would be beyond us."

Hagan said the club was also concerned about security of spectators at the ground, following the infamous hill riot in 1997. He said although this year's home attendances had been poor, there was no guarantee that the fans would flock to matches if the Bulldogs returned to Belmore. "It is very disappointing, especially as the team is playing exceptional football at the moment." he said. "But in our final year at Belmore in 1998, our average crowd was only 8,300 and we made the grand final that year."

He said club officials had gone to considerable lengths to promote their last home game against the Canberra on June 22, which attracted just 6,211 fans. "We tried to enhance the experience of being at the game," he said. "We allowed fans onto the field after the game and had a barbecue on the field. There were also cheaper tickets available.”

Hagan called on club supporters to turn out in force at the club's next home game. "You've got a very good team and it's worth getting out there and seeing them." The Bulldogs will continue to play its home games at the Sydney Showground until the end of 2003. The club hopes to relocate to the Oasis Complex in Liverpool in 2004.