Man’s Best Friend
By Paul Semertzidis @PaulSemertzidis
Puppy farms are a contentious issue in society at the moment. Defined as an intensive dog breeding facility, these inadequate structures are fast becoming one of our nation’s biggest concerns. Nestled in the quiet Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne is a place housing some of the most ferocious Dogs we have ever seen. But unlike a Puppy Farm this establishment is well above aboard and the local community loves nothing more than to get right around it.
The South Croydon Football Club or The Bulldogs have put themselves on the map as one of the best community based sporting clubs in metropolitan Melbourne. Founded in 1969 the boys in the red, white and blue have played in the Eastern Football League (formerly Eastern District Football League) for the entirety of their lifespan. In sporting terms 45 years is a relatively short period of time, but over four and a half decades The South Croydon Football Club have entrenched themselves into an extremely tight knit community that can’t get enough of their Bulldogs.
Cheong Park on a Saturday afternoon is a genuinely frightening prospect for any side making the trip, the main reason being South Croydon fans are barking mad. The Bulldogs faithful live and breathe their football club and it is not uncommon for numbers at home games to nudge the 4 figure mark.
It is the resilience of the football club that keeps the fans coming back every week, with 7 senior premierships since 1969 it is safe to say that The Doggies are not one of the ‘big boys’ and that’s just how the fans like it.
2001 was the year the Bulldogs officially began their assault on the upper echelons of the competition. The foundations for success were laid in a brilliant season which culminated in all 3 sides winning the premiership including the seniors by just 2 points in a memorable in over Templestowe at Jubilee Park.
Fast forwarding to season 2014, we bypass a relegation and two more senior premierships in 2006 (Division 3) and 2009 (Division 2) and it is no wonder that all involved with the club have developed a steely resolve and an unreserved passion and love for the whole South Croydon Football Club.
The jigsaw at Cheong Park is nearly complete, the only piece that remains is a Division 1 Premiership and, from the outside looking in it seems the Dogs are ready to mount a challenge.
2013 was a big year for the Football Club, a maiden Division One finals appearance and a Chandler Medal to superstar skipper Daniel King. Complimented perfectly by a huge off season where they signed Country goal-kicking superstar Jason ‘The Hulk’ Eagle, the Bulldogs have taken massive steps forward in 2014 and are ready to go to the next level.
Woof woof woof!