In front of 78,245 at the MCG last Friday night the Bulldogs gave their all as they took on St Kilda, who in the end managed to just sneak away with the win.
Leading in the first and second term and then coming back to steal the lead in the fourth, the Bulldogs looked as if they were going to create history for the Club. The team were inspired and it was devastating when St Kilda managed to score and take the lead just before the end of the final term.
The Bulldogs were terrific and despite being beaten by St Kilda on 2 occasions earlier in Season 2009, they didn't care for the past and took to the field full of bite. The boys truly played as a team, players who were beyond doubt influential include Ryan Griffen with 28 touches and Matthew Boyd with 26, while defenders Jarrod Harbrow, Lindsay Gilbee and Brian Lake were also impressive.
The mood after the match was sombre and as the players slumped to the ground you could see the anguish of each one of our 31,652 members in their faces.
Despite the devastation Captain Brad Johnson showed why he is the true leader of our beloved Club, stepping up to speak with media after the loss. The clear message from the Dogs is now looking towards next year, after 2 seasons ended prematurely at the preliminary final the Club has never had more determination to secure that elusive Premiership.
While we can't get away from the fact that last Friday night was disappointing, we are all proud of our boys and feeling their pain. The sign of a strong team is how we now pick up from this and move forward. As a group, we will get stronger and learn from 2009, we proved this year that we are a force in Football, and we now have a huge opportunity in front of us, the opportunity for us now is how we as a team take this challenge on!
Thank you to all our members who have shown their support for the team after their efforts last week. Your messages are much appreciated. Despite being outsiders the team proved we have what it takes.
So members rest assured we will be back stronger, tougher and more determined, we will leave no stone unturned and promise 2010 will be a year you don't want to miss.
