Hundreds of Western Bulldogs fans decked out in red, white and blue have swarmed to Whitten Oval to show their support for the team ahead of Friday night’s AFL semi final clash at the MCG with Hawthorn.
Bulldogs faithful young and old refused to let the threat of rain dampen their spirits on Thursday morning as they cheered on the players in their final open training session before the do-or-die clash.
The confidence in the air was encapsulated by cheer squad stalwart Irene Chatfield, who said she was confident the team would carry on the sensational form that saw them bundle the West Coast Eagles out of the finals in Perth on the weekend in spectacular style.
“I don’t think there’s any need to worry at all, our players are just superb, they’ll stand tall,” she said.
“We’ve got a better side this year and they’ve had time to adapt to each other.
“We’re going to clip their wings and come home with a great win, singing our song; that’s what you want to hear at the end of the game.”
Lesley Thomas and Wendy Rogan made the trip from Sunbury to Footscray with a painting of Bulldogs players past and present, ready for autographing.
“My son Aaron lives in Western Australia, he’s a one-eye Bulldogs supporter,” Ms Thomas said.
“One of his mates painted this for him, they’re all people he loved watching playing football plus a few of the present day guys.
“He’s flying over for the game tomorrow night. He can’t wait to get it over here.”
Bulldog supporters John and Liam brought along Rudi and Oombo, two Bulldogs bedecked in club colours.
“It will be a good game, I’m really looking forward to it,” Liam said.
“I’ve been following them since Teddy Whitten, I’ve been around awhile.”
Western Bulldogs fans are being urged to turn the city into a sea of red, white and blue as they march from Federation Square to the MCG ahead of Friday night’s clash.
Fans will meet at the Federation Square main stage from 5pm and begin the march to the MCG at 6pm.
First bounce is scheduled for 7.50pm.
