The Club would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our members and fans who have taken the time to share their thoughts and insights with us via a range of feedback activities we undertook in September.
In total, 979 people provided us with valuable feedback. 933 members and fans responded to our Club member survey and 46 supporters attended a Club Member Forum at Victoria University Whitten Oval last month.
We have been thrilled by this response and the level of passion and care our members and fans have shown for the future of our Club.
As I committed to you – we have also captured some of the feedback to share it with the Bulldog family. Here are some of the key themes:
Community
The Western Bulldogs work in the community and the Club’s stance on social issues was something that many members identified as something that they were extremely proud of.
However, you also told us that we need to be more vocal in this area – with the feedback wanting us to do more to tell our story and show people what we do.
“Your efforts in making all ages, genders and social groups welcome must continue."
“The strong statements about community and fair behaviour have made me proudest."
“The club emphasises an inclusive environment through its Be Loud Be Fair campaign a great and positive initiative."
“Increase self-promotion about initiatives such as Sons of the West,School Programs through mainstream media outlets."
“Greater advertising throughout western suburbs is needed , particularly in the schools and Auskick programs.”
West Strategy
Many of you expressed support for the Club’s strategic focus on capitalising on the opportunities associated with Western Melbourne and Western Victoria.
While the point (and a good one) was made that we need to make sure we continue to engage with all of supporters - irrespective of where they live - there was encouragement and support for the Club to continue to strategically focus on ‘the west’ and to make sure we are doing more to seize the opportunity presented by our geographic connection to the West.
“We have an opportunity to galvanise the west”.
“Greater advertising throughout western suburbs is needed, particularly in the schools and Auskick programs”.
“Going out to Ballarat was a fantastic idea!”
“It has almost been 20 years since we became the "Western" Bulldogs and I don't think we actually have gone out and embraced the region”.
“We need to concentrate on expanding our supporter base beyond the West”.
“Perhaps a little more interaction with members and supporters not in the western areas?”
Leadership & Direction
We had lots of feedback from our members and fans about how much you enjoyed the Season in 2015. You loved to watch the style of footy we play and the excitement around our young and developing team.
Many of you also linked our positive year to the Club leadership - both on and off the field - expressing confidence that the foundations have been put in place to build on the momentum gained in 2015 to not only climb the ladder, but also increase revenues across the business.
But you want to know more about the Club vision and have opportunities to contribute where you can.
“The new Bulldog way of football…was fast paced, daring, bold and exciting…drove excitement and interest to new levels”.
“I think more could be done to boost the supporter / member base. It is a tough job especially in the lower income areas, but those young families just moving to the west need to be targeted”.
“I'm a member, I know my role as a supporter but not what the club has planned. I think there is room for more participation from members and participation in making the club successful on and off the field”.
“Club is working hard in an inequitable competition. The next few years are vital in growing the club. We need to be pushing for as much exposure as possible and exploiting or exciting on field position to generate revenue. We must be the obvious choice for any new supporters in the afl looking for a new club or people looking to support a new club. Especially young people”.
“Our captain Bob Murphy is a great leader and spokesperson for the club”.
“The new Bulldog way of football…was fast paced, daring, bold and exciting…drove excitement and interest to new levels”.
“I'm a member, I know my role as a supporter but not what the club has planned. I think there is room for more participation from members and participation in making the club successful on and off the field”.
“Club is working hard in an inequitable competition. The next few years are vital in growing the club. We need to be pushing for as much exposure as possible and exploiting or exciting on field position to generate revenue. We must be the obvious choice for any new supporters in the AFL looking for a new club or people looking to support a new club. Especially young people”.
“Our captain Bob Murphy is a great leader and spokesperson for the club.”
“Unsure of where I can access information related to the Mission and Vision.”
I hope you find the feedback as insightful as we did.
We want you to know that this won’t be a one off exercise – we are committed to listening to our members and supporters – so please see this as a starting point in our conversation, not the end.
If you have further feedback do not hesitate to contacts us at 1300 GO DOGS (46 36 47) or email us at membership@westernbulldogs.com.au. You can also find as on Facebook (facebook.com/westernbulldogs) and Twitter @westernbulldogs.
Remember the best way to support our Club is to become a member, call 1300 46 36 47 to join or visit membership.westernbulldogs.com.au for more information.
I look forward to continuing to identify the things that matter to our supporters and our community so we can make informed decisions about achieving our goals as we progress along our exciting journey.
