A financial windfall awaits the Western Bulldogs and the western suburbs following the Dogs’ drought-breaking premiership win at the weekend.
Just days after the Dogs won their first flag since 1954 with a 22-point triumph over Sydney, the club is on track for a second consecutive membership record having already sold out of one of its 2017 membership packages on Monday.
The EJ Whitten Social Club had reached capacity, while there was an avalanche of calls to the Bulldogs’ membership hotline, with fans eager to sign up for 2017 at the earliest chance.
Even before the finals, the Dogs had recorded a 12.3 per cent rise in annual membership, from 35,222 to 39,456. The number represents a club record and, after Saturday’s premiership, it’s rising rapidly.
Bulldogs chief executive Gary Kent said there had been “an overwhelming response from our members and fans across both merchandise and membership”.
“Almost 2000 members have signed up for 2017 since Saturday alone, and our waiting list for the EJ Whitten Social Club continues to grow,” Mr Kent said.
“We have also seen significant merchandise sales since Saturday, with our 2016 Premiers range in high demand.”
Former Bulldogs president David Smorgon said it was a dream scenario for the administration.
“So many people want to sign up. We used to dream of these days as administrators of the club,” Mr Smorgon said on SEN radio.
“We just can’t lose this opportunity to develop the club to a whole new level. There’s no ceiling on what we could be.”
Maribyrnong council chief executive Stephen Wall said the Dogs had done the western suburbs proud with their achievements, and the benefits would be seen for years to come.
“The city couldn’t be prouder to welcome the Premiership Cup back west after a 62-year absence,” Mr Wall said.
“It was great to see the whole community come together to support the team and to celebrate their win. Most of Maribyrnong, especially Footscray, came alive over the weekend with a number of traders experiencing what will probably be record takings.
“With all of Victoria given an insight into our great city and a number of broadcasts being done from here, hopefully even more people will come to experience all that we have to offer.”
A weekend of revelry and celebration across the western suburbs led to a boom for local businesses, with many pubs reporting record patron numbers.
Staff at The Railway Hotel said it was the busiest weekend they’ve experienced, while there were similar reports across the region. Yarraville Traders Association president Chris Xanthis said the win would be good for business.
“I think it creates a lot of positive momentum for the area,” Mr Xanthis said.
“It’s a bit early to put a figure on the impact, but the whole area is painted red, white and blue so I don’t think anyone will be forgetting about it for a while.”
Footscray Traders Association committee member Ben Coyle expressed similar sentiments.
“I think it will have a massive impact,” Mr Coyle said.
“The whole community is excited and the west is a very proud area … things like this really lift the profile of the area.”
