Fightback, Bulldogs documentary

[Matthew Jelley]

Hi everyone, thought I'd drop in and share some details about a Footscray documentary that one of my friends helped produce called Fightback

There was a premiere screening last weekend and they have now locked in an encore screening this weekend at Sun Theatre

The unlikely story of fans pulling their football club back from the brink. The headlines in 1989 said the Footscray Bulldogs were “dead” taking footy fans and club members alike by surprise. But, a community-driven fight to save the club saw an immense sum raised and proved that the Dogs were the team of the mighty west.

Details and trailer below

FIGHTBACK – Sun Theatre

suntheatre.com.au

Fightback Documentary | Melbourne VIC

Fightback Documentary, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 25 likes · 13 talking about this. The unlikely story of fans pulling their football club back from the brink. The headlines in 1989 said the...

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[Inside The Kennel]

Fightback - Documentary/Film Review​

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When it comes to footy documentaries, our Club has been blessed to have had key historical events celebrated on film. Many people flooded into cinemas to watch the ‘Year of the Dogs’ (1997) which was a fly-on-the-wall documentary, following the trials and tribulations of a turbulent year at the Kennel.​

In contrast, 2016 masterpiece ‘The Outsiders’ immortalised our Premiership campaign with some of the most emotive and captivating storytelling seen from a sports documentary. If you’ve not seen it, you simply must.​

But now, we have cause to return to the big screen, with the much anticipated release of 'Fightback', the epic tale of the death of our Club and how the community rallied to save it, against all odds, whilst paying tribute to the Cheer Squad leader of the time, the late David Porter. The documentary was a triumph for its ability to recreate key historical moments with integrity and accuracy for audiences who were there, but also for those who are unfamiliar with the events of October 1989.​

At The Sun in Yarraville on Sunday, the sold-out theatre was treated to the premier and the audience drank up every word of the skillfully executed production. It was packed with emotion and detailed recollections from those at the frontline and every person in attendance left feeling upmost pride and gratitude for our footy club and all those who fought to save it.​

We were also treated to a Q&A with Footscray legend Dougie Hawkins, former CEO Dennis Galimberti and the People’s Favorite, Irene Chatfield, who famously pledged all her possessions in order for the Club to challenge the Merger attempt. All three panel members responded to audience questions, including one from Tony Liberatore

Tony Liberatore

Age

58

Ht

163cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

20.1

5star

K

10.5

4star

HB

9.6

5star

M

1.5

2star

T

4.3

5star

No current season stats available

D

10.0

3star

K

5.2

2star

HB

4.8

4star

M

1.0

1star

T

0.0

1star

in the sixth row. It was wonderful to re-live the events and to have the opportunity to hear from these famous faces.​

It was suggested during the Q&A that supporters should write to the Club (CEO, Ameet Baines) to recommend both Irene and Dennis to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for their incredible efforts to save the Club. Without them, we would not have a team to follow. To support a motion for their induction, compose a short letter to express your views via membership@westernbulldogs.com.au, so your emails can be forwarded to the Admin team.​

Congratulations to Director Stewart Marshall on this wonderful gift of a documentary and for those wishing to watch it, there is one last chance, at this weekend's final screening. Don’t miss it.​

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Up yours Oakley, this gets FIVE STARS!​

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Tickets available here: https://suntheatre.com.au/wp-cinema/movie/S24FIGHTBACK/FIGHTBACK/​