'Dogs of War' was a phrase that originated in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and was made popular in a song by one of the all time best bands the psychedelic Pink Floyd.It was introduced into sport by Everton's manager Joe Royal in 1994 during the Mersey battles with Liverpool.
In 1995 during the Qualifying final against St.George whilst calling the game,Warren Ryan said "they are like 'Dogs of War',a drilled army coming in waves" and the name stuck.He repeated that phrase throughout the finals,including the grand final specifically highlighting the brutal forwards.I still got VHS copies for that 1995 season stored in the dry vault in my chambers which I need to copy urgently on DVD before they turn to dust.I have personally heard Gould argue that the original phrase was already attributed in some circles to his 1988-89 team and that Warren rightly continued with tradition.The jury is out on that one.I think whilst it's historically interesting,due to the fact Pay played in both teams (1989-95),it's only academic and adds no value to our current situation.
The 'Dogs of War' main strength was to hurt,bully and tire the opposing forwards,pushing and trapping the opposition,turning defense into attack whilst relentlessly battering the middle when in possession.The kicking game complimented this style of play by driving and turning the opposition deep into their half and by gaining multiple repeat sets from short in goal grubber kicks.
The following rules reduced the ability to tire and trap the opposition's forwards.
- interchange rule;
- 40/20 rule;
- abolition of a minimum distance an attacking team was required to stand behind dummy-half;
- rules that virtually made scrums cosmetic;
The following rules reduced the ability to hurt and bully the opposition's forwards.
- dangerous throws;
- All lifting tackles;
- three-man "cannonball" tackles;
- defending players cannot be tackled mid-air but defending players can tackle attacking players;
- attacking kicker cannot be tackled whilst in the air;
It's frightening to think the beastly pack of Britt,Hetherington,Pay,Price,Gillies,Dymock,J.Smith and Newton,driven by the battle hardened club immortal Lamb played when the above rules were not in place.No wonder Des hates our club,he's still having nightmares of Gillies smashing his nose through his arse in that 95 grand final.
Can the 'Dogs of War' be replicated? Probably not.But if the phrase 'Dogs of War' psychologically helps our team through this difficult time,then let's get behind all of them and remind them of the pride in the blue and white.
When our club song "We are the Mighty Bulldogs" saluted the impending end of the 'Dogs of War' era,that August afternoon after we destroyed the Cows.The words blasted out of the Belmore speakers for the last time,in one voice we all proudly sang the words "
we play it hard" "
we play it tough" "
we're the greatest in the league".Our legends hearts were filled with pride,always with them,never alone,on their hard long quest to ultimate victory.
I'm positive the time is approaching my friend and that famous song will salute the start of a new 'Dogs of War' era.And when we finish singing those famous ending lyrics "
with our power and speed" "
the Bulldog breed" "
will keep them on the run",again our players hearts will fill with pride,always with them,never alone,on their long hard quest to ultimate victory.
So whether Pay is dreaming or not is not important,because 'Dogs of War' is just a catch phrase,what makes it real is our unity with our players,our pride is their strength,our legends are their guidance and together we will experience glory,because it's our destiny to be the greatest in the league.