Smorgon slams Fickle Fans..

[Code_Nerd]

Taken from AFL Website..

I can honestly say that I will be a member and support the club no matter how we are performing, its too bad other don't feel the same way!

WESTERN Bulldogs president David Smorgon has taken a swipe at his club's "Humpty Dumpty" supporters who refuse to commit their cash to the cause.
Smorgon said the Bulldogs had to get better at recruiting members next year, as the club's 2008 membership of 28,712 was one of the lowest in the league despite the club doing well on the field.
The Bulldogs have spent the bulk of the season entrenched in the top four, winning 13 of their first 15 games.
"We've had a struggle with membership this year," Smorgon said at the pre-game function before the Bulldogs took on Essendon at Telstra Dome.
"Unfortunately we have a lot of Humpty Dumpty, sit on the fence until you're sure we're playing in finals [type supporters] and they're the ones who won't put their money into the club.
"We've got to work harder to overcome that resistance from so many people.
"We can't afford to let the bridge between the big clubs and the smaller clubs keep on widening."
Smorgon congratulated two of the other smaller clubs in the competition – North Melbourne on attracting 34,000 members this season and Melbourne, who broke through the 30,000 barrier once Jim Stynes took over as chairman.
"I hope [those tallies] are sustainable for both clubs' sake, but I know we at the Bulldogs will continue to work very hard to get as many members as we can," Smorgon said.

 

[X_box_X]

That's the same with every club, though. He shouldn't be living in denial. The fact is, we finished last season with no wins in the final seven games - a certain percent of our supporters would have been turned off by that disgraceful end to last season and, unfortunately, it takes more than one pretty good season to get those members back again.

You can't expect every supporter to stick with the club through thick and thin. The ones who support the club no matter what are the ones the club needs most, but our president should be facing reality that memberships usually only increase with consistently good performances. If we can at least win a final this year, and back our top four performance up again next year, the members will come.

Our supporters will do their bit as soon as the players and recruiting staff do their bit. I know a father and son combination who won't sign up next year unless we go for a gun player like Brown or Kerr should they be available. Whether you think that's right or wrong, the fact is that some supporters of all clubs will have that approach.

There's no doubt established guns like Kerr and Brown will go a long way to success - and the club should be trying everything in their power to make sure we get one of these players next year if they are available.

 

[doggiesin08]

I know a father and son combination who won't sign up next year unless we go for a gun player like Brown or Kerr should they be available.

surely you don't want us to get Kerr?
Worsfold said from Carlton he'd want Judd, Gibbs, Murphy and Kreuzer and while he was obviously being a bit over the top the point is that while Kerr is contracted it'll take a ridiculous offer to get him.

As for Brown can we really afford to pay a bloke $1m per year for 5 years and risk not being able to afford to give pay rises to Cooney and Griffen or Williams if he plays a couple of injury free seasons. We won't recruit a big name player until Aker, Johnson and West all leave a free up cap room, and even then it should be a natural progression that other players get pay rises and just take this up.

 

[X_box_X]

surely you don't want us to get Kerr?
Worsfold said from Carlton he'd want Judd, Gibbs, Murphy and Kreuzer and while he was obviously being a bit over the top the point is that while Kerr is contracted it'll take a ridiculous offer to get him.

As for Brown can we really afford to pay a bloke $1m per year for 5 years and risk not being able to afford to give pay rises to Cooney and Griffen or Williams if he plays a couple of injury free seasons. We won't recruit a big name player until Aker, Johnson and West all leave a free up cap room, and even then it should be a natural progression that other players get pay rises and just take this up.

I'm strongly against paying too much to get a star. I'd rather see teams like Carlton or Collingwood give up too much to get them, and then they don't meet the expectations that were bestowed on them.

The fact is, if Kerr wants to leave, Worsfold will have no choice but to trade him or else WCE will lose him. Woosha may want two very good players or a very good player and a first rounder for him, but I can't see that happening. Carlton and Collingwood won't be stupid enough to give away too much, and neither will we if we go for him.

Kerr will do what Judd and Aker did, anyway. Judd expressed his interest in Carlton, just like Aker did with the Bulldogs. This ensures the club who goes for Kerr won't be giving up too much. Say he chooses to be a Bulldogs player, we could possibly offer Ray and pick 12-15 for him, but we won't be willing to offer any more than that.

I know we are against trading our first round picks, but if it's to get a player like Kerr, I'd be very happy to trade it as long as we don't give away too much more than that.

 

[Dog 36]

I disagree strongly with David Smorgon.

Bulldog members and supporters are not "Humpty Dumpy".

Take note David, many of the people you are having a cheap shot at were there when the club was on its knees. We have not tasted the ultimate success in my time and its been 54 years and the last time we made an appearence on the big day was in 61, the longest wait of all Victorian Clubs and most interstate clubs bar one . We have a low supporter base as it is hence our percantage of members to supporters conversion would be high and taking into account of all the above he should re-think his comments.

Many factors contribute into whether people buy memberships. The fact we play home games interstate, play Saturday nights, play Sunday twilight does not help. The cost associated with living has gone up eg fuel, interest rates and people now budget and there is a real opportunity cost involved and if people cannot attend the games they may not wish to purchase a membership.

So David IMO I would not throw cheap shots at the people you are supposed to represent

FROM AN ANGRY DOG 36

 

[BWFC]

Smorgon was born with a silver spoon in his mouth he doesn't seem to understand that for many bulldogs supporters buying a membership is a luxury and like any luxury isnt a major priority in alot of peoples finances. Ive always bought a membership but I must admit next year Im having my first child and going back to one wage is going to be tough. If I can afford a membership I will buy one but if I can't I guess Im humpty dumpty. Must be nice to be one of the kings men.

 

[Borgsta]

All the other teams are fortunate that they don't have supporters who struggle with money and families.

 

[Poptart]

Smorgan has to remember that, the likes of North & Melbourne have boosted their membership numbers, and good on them, from other teams supporters, neutrals, those ones that would just help out, i mean, North were well & truly on their knees, they were as good as gone to the Gold Coast.

We have 28,000 or so members, well realistically alot of supporters buy more than one membership, and i'm sure we would also have a few neutrals in there, i'd love to know exactly how many Bulldog supporter members there are out there.

Another issue would be what's the membership really worth? i mean, we'll all buy our memberships anyway, thats a given, but for your 17 game membership, your really getting something like 11 or 12 free games, it used to be, you purchase your membership for free entry, these days, it doesnt quite work out that way, interstate games, the Geelong game, fully ticketed games at the Dome etc.

 

[BWFC]

All the other teams are fortunate that they don't have supporters who struggle with money and families.

Is that a statement your making?

 

[Dogs Rule]

All the other teams are fortunate that they don't have supporters who struggle with money and families.

I think all teams have supporters who are battling to make ends meet.

The Bulldogs supporters who really get on my nerves, are those who have the cash yet won't buy a membership until they know we're going to have a good season.

 

[Borgsta]

The Bulldogs supporters who really get on my nerves, are those who have the cash yet won't buy a membership until they know we're going to have a good season.

Or until it looks like we are trying to sign a big name player.

 

[woofgirl]

i buy one every year, but some people do struggle, bit hard for pentioners for instance, maybe smorgie should look at what some supporters live on each week before bagging them.

 

[soupaman]

I think if you read his comments properly you will understand he is not bagging those that can ill afford the expense of a membership. The people he is having a shot at are those that only buy a mmebership when the team is going well, hence his comment about waiting to see if we make the finals.

Generally I think he is right.....if you can afford it, club membership should be automatic if you really want to ensure the club survives...and thrives.

 

[Tempo]

I have no doubt that the real number is quite a bit less than 28700 re The point made earler about individuals buyng multiple memberhipss.

I buy ten each year and at east 5 of those would not join up due to financial reasons.

All of the small Melborne clubs have the same fluff in their figures

If we were in say Coll or Ess position I would not buy the extra 5.

Who saw the wrong figure of over 30000 on the Cheer squad banner on Friday .... someones not paying attention

 

[flamethrower]

I have no doubt that the real number is quite a bit less than 28700 re The point made earler about individuals buyng multiple memberhipss.

I buy ten each year and at east 5 of those would not join up due to financial reasons.

All of the small Melborne clubs have the same fluff in their figures

If we were in say Coll or Ess position I would not buy the extra 5.

Who saw the wrong figure of over 30000 on the Cheer squad banner on Friday .... someones not paying attention

I was told that the figure on the banner was the total number of people registered as either ticketed or non-ticketed members, taking into account those who buy multiple memberships. Maybe someone from the cheer squad can clarify where they got the figure from.

 

[acker]

All the other teams are fortunate that they don't have supporters who struggle with money and families.

No but the membership marketing departments of West Coast, Fremantle, Brisbane and the new Gold Coast team.
Should be greatful they are operating in the states enjoying the most out of the resources boom.

 

[Pembleton]

We've lost a lot of nuetral charity members to the roos this year, whilts i have read that Melbourne's figure is inflated by a $20 membership they offer to MCC members.

Anyway, its absurd to suggest that someone is fickle if they choose different forms of entertainment from week to week or year to year. Passionate club supporters fail to understand that is what footy is for a lot of people. Naturally, we're super keen to convince new members to sign up when there is an expectation of an exciting year ahead, but then become mortally offended when they don't re-sign in times that look more bleak. It makes no sense. Imagine if the President of any other type of company repeatedly came out in the media, slapping everyone who bought there product/service in '07, but didn't in '08.

 

[BWFC]

We've lost a lot of nuetral charity members to the roos this year, whilts i have read that Melbourne's figure is inflated by a $20 membership they offer to MCC members.

Anyway, its absurd to suggest that someone is fickle if they choose different forms of entertainment from week to week or year to year. Passionate club supporters fail to understand that is what footy is for a lot of people. Naturally, we're super keen to convince new members to sign up when there is an expectation of an exciting year ahead, but then become mortally offended when they don't re-sign in times that look more bleak. It makes no sense. Imagine if the President of any other type of company repeatedly came out in the media, slapping everyone who bought there product/service in '07, but didn't in '08.

Great post. I totally agree. Im a passionate supporter but at the end of the day I don't have alot of disposable income so I do see club membership as a form of entertainment and therefore a luxury. Why doesn't Smorgon put some pressure on the players to donate some of their massive incomes to the club?

 

[Borgsta]

We've lost a lot of nuetral charity members to the roos this year, whilts i have read that Melbourne's figure is inflated by a $20 membership they offer to MCC members.

Anyway, its absurd to suggest that someone is fickle if they choose different forms of entertainment from week to week or year to year. Passionate club supporters fail to understand that is what footy is for a lot of people. Naturally, we're super keen to convince new members to sign up when there is an expectation of an exciting year ahead, but then become mortally offended when they don't re-sign in times that look more bleak. It makes no sense. Imagine if the President of any other type of company repeatedly came out in the media, slapping everyone who bought there product/service in '07, but didn't in '08.

Well said.

 

[RoyBoyTurnedDog]

I can tell you as an ex Fitzroy member that there comes a time when buying a membership is akin to charity. And if I am going to contribute to charity, it will be starving children or endangered Orang Utans, not a football team.

Thankfully, the dogs are not a basket case like Fitzroy became. I buy my memberships (and my wifes) because we like going to the footy and I can afford to contribute a little extra to the club as well as to real charities. But we don't have kids and we both have jobs, so it is relatively easy for me to buy a membership. I am sure there are many supporters who could afford to buy a membership, but to ridicule those who don't is crap. Smorgon could contribute millions each year if he feels that strongly about it.

 

[Tempo]

We've lost a lot of nuetral charity members to the roos this year, whilts i have read that Melbourne's figure is inflated by a $20 membership they offer to MCC members.

Anyway, its absurd to suggest that someone is fickle if they choose different forms of entertainment from week to week or year to year. Passionate club supporters fail to understand that is what footy is for a lot of people. Naturally, we're super keen to convince new members to sign up when there is an expectation of an exciting year ahead, but then become mortally offended when they don't re-sign in times that look more bleak. It makes no sense. Imagine if the President of any other type of company repeatedly came out in the media, slapping everyone who bought there product/service in '07, but didn't in '08.

Nice but naive.

We are not any type of company we are a club that has a crook stadium deal that is offet by AFL assistance. We have to continue to prove that we are gowing our club to be seen as viable and worthy of long term investment form the AFL. Smorgons contention is that when the Humpty Dumpty's are surveyed is that they say things like " we will wait and see how they go" "P'd over lasy year" etc. Smorgom is on the record as saying approx 20% of the HD'ds have Finacial dificulties. I know of one of my staff on over 120k wife workin etc and in the afforementioned wait and see then do nothing category.... thats fine but dont come to the lunch room berrating the team win the loose or pumping the chest out win we win

The ascertions of "Fickle if diferent sorts of entertainment has no relevance as Smorgon has never raised this other than to show that he is aware that the WBFC has to provide value for money entertainment to compete with for the E $.

Yes die hards dont get it that people will chop and change the way they spend their decretionary income. Thats because the club will live or die by those people. Ulike the company president who will just change the business model and the operating market. We are stuck where we are in a highly regulated and closed market place that derives it revenue from memberships - Sponsors want clubs with healthy growing memeberships not stagnant or declining ones.

Smorgons frustrations are with the lame excuses and not the legitimate ones you have unfairly branded him as being indescriminate at this level.

 

[Dougie4Eva]

After reading everyone's responses, I can only assume that those of you who winged loudest are those type of people David was referring to.
You should all be members for LIFE.
If you read his comments properly, you will understand he is talking about people who have the ability to be a member, but choose to 'wait and see if we're good enough'. Personally, I don't want those type of people as members anyway. Those that come along in the good times and jump around as though it's due to their contribution that the club has done well. What a load of ****. People talk about the red, white and blue running through their veins etc. but in reality, it's only during the good times.
There is a strong base of members, who sign up for LIFE, with no regard for how the team performs, but on the basis that without members the club doesn't exist. Who wants to get back to the tin rattling days? Being a member regardless, prevents this.
There are different programs to help members spread their financial load, like Pay by the Month.
And to those of you who suggest David should put his money in, what a load of tossers! Do you have any idea the time and effort to be in his position, all of which is voluntary? And BTW, if you're going to stick it to David, then start on Rob Murphy too. He wrote this in his Age column in April this year, and as far as I'm concerned, he says it all.
Read on......................
The Age
Robert Murphy | April 16, 2008

AT 5.30 every evening at my place, it is go time. For little Jarvis, every night at this time consists of food, bath, bottle, bed.

As Jarvis sits on my knee tucking into his apple and pears, and I chuckle at his clumsy attempts with the spoon, all is well in the world and worries fade to back ground noise.

That is until we near the end of the bowl, and another has not been prepared to take its place. With an empty bowl in front of him and a half empty stomach on the inside, all hell breaks loose. His tears of anguish register a 9.6 on his little Richter scale of despair.

At a time of crisis like this, it's funny the lengths you will go to in a bid to calm the seas.

Not for the first time in my life, football has swooped in on a chandelier to save the day. As little Jarvis' bottom lip began to quiver on Tuesday night, I instinctively began to sing the Western Bulldogs theme song, bouncing him to the tune.

Not only did the lip stop shaking, but the early hint of a smile seeped through his expression. As I neared the big finale though, it became obvious that his rice cereal was still some way off. What to do, I thought?

A voice inside my head screamed, 'Keep singing! Keep singing!' So without a second thought I was straight into, We are the Power from Port ... hey! It's more than a sport ...''

By the time Jarvis' cereal made an appearance, I was nearly through the entire list of club theme songs. And I am proud to say he saved his biggest smile for the sons of the west (it had nothing to do with my extra enthusiasm).

My job as a parent is to give my son all the freedom and ability to make his own choices, all except one. My only request of my son will be that he grow up a son of the west, a Bulldog through and through.

It has a lot to do with a sense of belonging. Something as people we all crave on one level or another.

Sticking with the musical theme, I caught some highlights of a recent American Idol episode on the morning news and I was in awe of that little boy with the voice sent from God, hitting the high notes.

The judges and audience were moved to tears, and for once you got the impression they were genuine.

It took me back to my days in the school choir. Now, after my admission a couple of weeks ago that I had a weakness for romantic comedies, it can hardly come as a surprise that I sang in the school choir, can it?

A choir is not that far from football in lots of ways; a group of varied and interesting people with different skills and a common goal.

Back in high school, I loved the diversity the choir added to an after-school program that was dominated by football.

The boys and girls in the school choir were different from the kids I would kick the footy with at lunch. Both require people with different physical attributes and cater for those with varying degrees of ability.

Us boys in the choir were a long, long way from the young man seen on American Idol, but we played our part in the overall team structure the choir needed.

A choir is much like a supporter base for AFL clubs - the voices are many and varied, but they all want the same result for their beloved club.

But why do we join a choir or a football club? I believe all of us yearn for a sense that we belong to something - a cause, a song, team colours.

Often the most enjoyment I got from the school choir was not hitting the notes as much as walking to and from practice with the others, forming our own group within the school.

It wasn't segregated, but we all felt a sense of joy that we were a part of something different from the rest of the kids. Football supporters, ask themselves the same question.

Why do we sign up as a member? I would like to think it is to set yourself apart from the masses, to be part of something.

Don't misunderstand me, it's not to win - that's a bonus. The reason we should show our allegiance to a club, wear the club colours and sing the theme song is to be a part of history.

To pledge your allegiance to a clan through thick and thin.

My Bulldogs currently have a horribly low membership for 2008. Some 8000 members from 2007 have not signed up again. I realise that for a lot of people finances are strained, and these are not whom I'm referring to.

Our membership department has received a lot of feedback from people who are not signing up because the last seven games of last year were so disappointing, they just felt too let down to get on board.

I think this is an unacceptable excuse. And I don't want people signing up just because we've had a promising start to the season, either. I want people to know that when they become a member of a football club, they become part of something that sets them apart.

It becomes part of their identity. It's not about sharing success and jumping off when it fails. It's about putting your colours on, catching the tram and having people look at you and instantly know what you have a passion for.

This club has a history of survival, and you survive by sticking together. And standing behind something you feel part of.



And BTW, I freely admit I walked out before the end of that horrid last game last season, something I've never done in my 40+ of supporting the Doggies. But not for one moment did I ever contemplate not being a member. And I'm far from having a silver spoon in my mouth. there are many times it's been a financial strain, all the more sweeter when we win that elusive BIG ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Doggies.

 

[rip it up]

great way to try and sign more members up next year take a swipe at the supporters. Think before you speak David, it's happening more and more, he's coming out into the public forum saying ridiculous comments, im really starting to lose respect for him.

 

[Tempo]

great way to try and sign more members up next year take a swipe at the supporters. Think before you speak David, it's happening more and more, he's coming out into the public forum saying ridiculous comments, im really starting to lose respect for him.

You are not paying attention to his comments, you like most in this thread are jmping to conclusions so before you start making coments about losing respect get a grip on what he has actually said.

 

[Pembleton]

Dougie4Eva, i remember that article from Bobby. I quite liked it because i thought he really showed some insight into what supporting a footy club means to the 'year in year out', 'through thick and thin' type of supporter. Unfortunately, not all people who barrack for sporting teams make that kind of committment. You say you don't even want fans like that to become members. That is ridiculous dude. Instead of slamming them, we need to encourage them, because eventually, some will become a part of the 'clan', to use Bob's description.

Nice but naive.

We are not any type of company we are a club that has a crook stadium deal that is offet by AFL assistance. We have to continue to prove that we are gowing our club to be seen as viable and worthy of long term investment form the AFL. Smorgons contention is that when the Humpty Dumpty's are surveyed is that they say things like " we will wait and see how they go" "P'd over lasy year" etc. Smorgom is on the record as saying approx 20% of the HD'ds have Finacial dificulties. I know of one of my staff on over 120k wife workin etc and in the afforementioned wait and see then do nothing category.... thats fine but dont come to the lunch room berrating the team win the loose or pumping the chest out win we win

The ascertions of "Fickle if diferent sorts of entertainment has no relevance as Smorgon has never raised this other than to show that he is aware that the WBFC has to provide value for money entertainment to compete with for the E $.

Yes die hards dont get it that people will chop and change the way they spend their decretionary income. Thats because the club will live or die by those people. Ulike the company president who will just change the business model and the operating market. We are stuck where we are in a highly regulated and closed market place that derives it revenue from memberships - Sponsors want clubs with healthy growing memeberships not stagnant or declining ones.

Smorgons frustrations are with the lame excuses and not the legitimate ones you have unfairly branded him as being indescriminate at this level.

You call me naive but i'm not really sure how you get to that conclusion. Yes, the club is in a really tough situation, and it would be better if everyone who liked the Dogs and could afford it, would buy a membership, every single year.

That is a utopia for a footy club though. Unfortunately, some people who do 'barrack' for the club and want to see it do well, don't feel the same deep connection to the club as a lot of us do. It is completely reasonable for that type of fan to pick and choose when they buy memberships, based on whatever reasons they see fit. You talk of 'lame excuses', making an assumption that someone who doesn't buy a membership should even feel the need to have an excuse. I understand that we all get bitter towards big talking barrackers who never seem to have a membership. With our history of financial struggle, long term members are very sensitive to the clubs continual need to grow its membership numbers.

However, does labelling these people 'fickle' and 'humpty dumpty' help turn them into year in and year out members? We've heard it many times in one form or another. Obviously it doesn't work very well, and thats because it is intuitively absurd to any non hard core supporter. They might buy a membership one year because they want to help out the club, or because they get a rush of excitement about the idea of being a part of the club. Then, suddenly, if they don't do it every year, they're being labelled fickle. That would make me inclined to regret ever buying a membership in the first place, instead of being keen to buy one again in the future.