I've followed the Berries / Bulldogs since 1976. We had a competitive side in the '70's but there were NO salary caps back then and the Rorters and the Silver Tails dominated the '70's, Saints picked up premierships in 77 and 79 but we beat the Rorters in '80.Dogs supporter through and through for over 40 years. I hate the Eels. They are our arch enemy.
Much as I hate to admit it, I can't see us finishing in the 8 this year. We should finish 9th or 10th. Next year, 2nd year with Ciraldos systems and another at least 2 good contracted additions in Crighton and Xerri we should make the top 8.
The best team in the comp beat the Eels last year, after losing twice to the Eels during the season.
Yes we are better in 2023, but not better than 8 teams.
I win footy tipping competitions just for fun. How do you go in them?
In 23 we don't have an elite 1, 6 or 7.
Our 6 could become elite in the future. ATM he's a rep centre. The teams with the best spines make the finals and ATM those teams are...in no particular order....Penrith, Souths, Roosters, Storm, Eels, Sharks, Cowboys and Manly.
Next is Tigers, Dogs, Broncos, Raiders
Then Warriors, St George, Titans, Newcastle and Dolphins
There's a lot of ordinary teams with ordinary spines there in that bottom 9.
In 1978 many of our then top players, left the club for other clubs, a number of them joining Newtown, including Bill Noonan. Everyone at the time thought we'd be easy beats in '79 but with Ted Glossop in only his 2nd season as coach of the Bulldogs, a schoolteacher by profession, all players and most coaches had other jobs back then, would bring about the birth of the Entertainers with a young, fast squad that was allowed to play their natural game. Steve Mortimer was a star and the 'Dogs made it the '79 Grand Final only to be beaten by Saints who had a 17-0 lead at half time and coach Glossop told them to go out and enjoy themselves as this will be the final 40 minutes of Rugby League, you'll play this year. They did and nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback, losing 17-13. Next year in 1980 we won our first competition in 38 years over the Rorters.
Moral of the story is we had a team back then that gelled well together, and it brought about instant success. We now have a far better side than I've seen in nearly 20 years and will only get better with more top players signing up for 2024. We, now like in '79 have a new coach and have improved our roster better than any other club. Some are losing top players due to salary cap restraints.
Just have a look at how many rep players we now have in our squad? If we don't finish top 8 this season we NEVER will.
Last edited: