By Luke Brailey
Back to Belmore Inc. President

May 30, 2007

When Sean Hampstead blew his whistle on March 7, 1999 to signal the start of the Bulldogs' last Premiership season of the twentieth century, it was like a death knell for thousands of Bulldogs fans. For the third time in 63 years, Bulldogs supporters were at a loose end during the long winter weekends because they weren't at their rightful home ground at Belmore.

It seems odd now but when I heard the Bulldogs were leaving Belmore in June 2005, I was philosophical. Dutifully, I attend games at Homebush and have been since they relocated there in 1999. Actually, I have better seats than at Belmore; much closer to the half-way line. But isn't it funny when you're used to watching the game from a certain vantage point, you don't feel you can see it properly from anywhere else?

Somehow Telstra Stadium just isn't right. It has no atmosphere and you are so far away from the action. In fact, we're just not part of it. There is no closeness - even Stephen Ellis in the enormous blue and white hat is too far away. After almost 10 years, Homebush hasn't won me at all and I'm sure I'm echoing the sentiments of most Bulldogs supporters. It is just a space to play rugby league in. The Bulldogs stage their home games there but it is not our home ground. How can we call it home when it also accommodates the Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs? I've since heard others say this too, but when I remember Belmore I realise how much it meant to me.

Will crowd violence, dismal crowds and dissatisfaction with the Homebush venue from true blue-and-white supporters eventually combine with a possible shift in power to force a dramatic rethink and reversal of the club's decision to abandon Belmore? I have never been one to sing from Malcolm Noad's hymn sheet and the problems of the football club are now far greater than the CEO's inability to embrace the Bulldogs' history and tradition. The Bulldogs need a chief executive who is Belmore-focused, someone who will bring a revival in club and supporter spirit and someone who will build the club back to its proud traditions.