As we contend with this most recent COVID-19 outbreak in the greater Melbourne community, I’d like to extend the Club’s sincere thoughts and best wishes to all of you undertaking another seven days of lockdown. Of all the emotions across this last 48 hours, there has been an eerie sense of familiarity as we navigate the profound health concerns and consider the various football related impacts and scenarios. While the circumstances may be different, we’ve been here before and we know we’ll find our way through.

I know so many of you will be disappointed to not be attending tonight’s top of the table clash against the Demons at Marvel Stadium. We were equally looking forward to seeing our red, white and blue army out in full voice. In my time at the Club, I can’t remember a more anticipated regular season home game for us, and we had our sights well and truly set on a huge Bulldogs crowd. The energy and passion inside Marvel Stadium this year has been electric and your presence tonight will be sorely missed by us all and, in particular, our players. We know you’ll be there in spirit and cheering as loudly as you can from home, and as you have done for so much of last year.  

While it won’t be the same without you, we’re incredibly proud and excited to be opening this year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round in what has become a genuine highlight of the AFL calendar. Our players will be wearing a specially designed guernsey by renowned Aboriginal artist Nathan Patterson that tells the story of much loved champion past player Lindsay Gilbee and his journey of discovery and family connection. As a Club we look forward to continuing our own journey of understanding, reconciliation, and healing with our First Nations people. 

With the current COVID situation changing so rapidly, it’s difficult to provide much certainty or assurance as to what these immediate few weeks might look like. Our VFL and VFLW games this weekend at VU Whitten Oval have been cancelled, and we’ll continue to work closely with the AFL and follow the public health advice as we start to look beyond tonight’s match. Based on the existing fixture, we were not due back at Marvel Stadium until our Round 16 clash against the Kangaroos, so we remain optimistic and hopeful that our Melbourne based members and fans won’t miss any live footy beyond tonight.

For our interstate members and fans, and particularly those living in Perth, we’ll continue to provide you with updates as these match details are confirmed, including all the relevant ticketing and member access information.  

I’d like to take this opportunity to also acknowledge the incredible work of our players, coaches, football and administrative staff who have all responded so effectively to the various challenges presented through the week. 

Thank you again for your unwavering loyalty and support in such an unsettling time. Stay tuned to our Club website and across social media for any further updates as they come to hand and barrack hard from your lounge rooms.  

Go Dogs!   
 
Ameet Bains