I could post my own Army related thread, but I'll leave this here for anyone who cares enough to read everything in this thread.
I'm going to tell you my journey into the Army.
→ 7 years of discontent. A GrandFinal backs-against-the-wall win !
→ The infectious spread of opportunistic types around the club, who took the money and ran, at the expense of heritage and tradition.
→ The "earned" Wooden Spoon.
After that I'd had enough. I had my mind made up that in 2009, I'd 'attend' more games and do my bit to support the players. I had crazy ideas of starting chants that would be heard by players, pumps them up, forces an opposition mistake that leads to the winning try ..... that sort of w@nky stuff.
I wanted to be seen on TV, and make the fans in hiding at home go "
- that dude's having a good time !"
So my brother got a membership, and all of a sudden I'm coming to Manly Rd1 to sit "with the Army" ! Never met any of them. Wasn't gonna let that stop me from being seen.
What happened in the next 80mins lit a fuse inside me that will last for years to come !
I donated a chant in the suggestions thread which got sung out at the game "
They're purple. They're white. They give the chicks a fright. Manly ! Manly !", and the first time I heard it, I saw 25 people laugh, and we hadn't even kicked off.
Commanding a crowd that size is a bit like drugs - You get addicted.
Knowing you can influence some supporters is such a good feeling especially when it makes them smile !
I got thinking after the Penrith game (and the last minute bromancing on the hill), that the price you pay for your ticket, seems so much cheaper when you're having a good time.
And with that : The lightbulb went off.
All of a sudden, it absolutely DID NOT MATTER whether we won or lost anymore. The reason I decided to come regularly, was to enjoy the company of those who enjoy some fun, and in the process help create some of my own, add to excitement and possibly even convince others to join.
The more I go, the more it seems to work.
It's become effortless now : Just come, and bring some fun !
I want to leave this in your minds regarding 2009.
In 2009, the Bulldogs Army have re-established themselves as a noisy, colourful and relentless nuisance to the opposition teams and fans - An excellent result !
People are openly admitting they are unsatisfied with their more expensive seats, and WANT to join us because they feel like they're 'missing out' on fun !
We have a dedicated hardcore crew behind the scenes (which I'm throwing my full support beind next year to tak us o the next level). We all talk, chat, exchange ideas in an unselfish manner for the benefit of a greater cause ! 2010 shapes as EVEN BIGGER. There'll be travel interstate, and a myriad of other Army related activities. So keep an eye out for Discussion therads and requests for ideas early next year.
To the regulars in the Kennel, with the Army and those on here who've shared laughs - Thank You all for opening your hearts and minds to my antics, and adopting me into the family.
I simply CANNOT be disappointed in the year we had.
Both on the field, and in the stands.
We have our reputations back.
We have our heritage back.
We have our integrity back.
And along the way, we scooped the pool at the Dally M's and damn near took out both the Minor Prem and the GF !
Our club has set the example for how clubs should be run.
It'll be MY personal duty to ensure the Army continues to grow with the same ideals and ethics our club has. I want us to be funnest, loudest, singingest Army in the entire NRL !
If you want on board - Just look for a stoopid hat to show you the way.
Chances are it's me under it !
![[DoGgIeS FaN]](/forum/data/avatars/m/1/1568.jpg?1456554857){kind=avatar}
