Doug Hawkins reveals fallout from strained relationship with Bulldogs president Peter Gordon

Doug Hawkins reveals fallout from strained relationship with Bulldogs president Peter Gordon

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Footscray favourite son Doug Hawkins says he has a strained relationship with Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon and little official contact with the club.

Hawkins revealed that he had not spoken to Gordon since the 2016 premiership, still mystified about why his relationship with the club he did so much to market has cooled so suddenly.

Hawkins put an official proposal to the club in 2015 to help out as an ambassador in a similar manner to Essendon club great Kevin Sheedy.

But as he revealed to the Herald Sun’s Sacked podcast, he didn’t get a reply from Gordon.

Gordon told the Herald Sun on Wednesday that Hawkins was a beloved champion of the club, and he was keen to do what he could to make him feel welcome back at Whitten Oval when the 2020 COVID pandemic faded.

Hawkins and Gordon have never been great friends after the president was in charge when Hawkins was sacked at the end of 1994, but he says it pains him that he has so little presence at the club.

“I don’t have a lot to do with Peter and he doesn’t have a lot to do with me. We don‘t have a lot to do with each other. He might be able to answer why we don’t talk. At the end of the day it was 2015. I put together a proposal to the club. Me and Peter had a little small disagreement over some past players function that I was invited to. It was only a little disagreement, it wasn’t much.

“That was right on the back of when (Brendan) McCartney was sacked and (Ryan) Griffin left and (Shaun) Higgins left and things were just happening, the club was in a bit of disarray. Essendon had just put Kevin Sheedy in as an ambassador and I got a handwritten letter put together from (former Bulldog) Matty Mansfield.

“I didn’t get a response from Peter or the club and that’s just the way it was then. We don’t talk a lot and that’s just the way it is. We don’t talk a lot…. we don’t talk at all.”

Hawkins is still invited to the club’s best-and-fairest night given the runner-up trophy is named after him.

Gordon said the Dogs had put several offers to Hawkins to become an ambassador several years back but for various reasons they were not taken up.

“Dougie is always welcome at the club. Everyone loves Doug. I remember giving him a hug the day after the 2016 Grand Final and commenting on who might have been drunker and it was probably me,” he said.

“When I first came back into the job in 2013 I offered him a couple of ambassadorial roles and it didn’t suit him for one reason or another but he’s one of the legends of the club, an official legend, along with John Schultz and Ted Whitten and Charlie Sutton and I hope he will always feel welcome. Footy can be a pretty emotional business and clubs are always making tough decisions, but it is all about your soul but we love Dougie and I hope he can always feel like he can come back any time.”

Hawkins has worked in his current role in traffic management for eight years so his beef is about a connection to the club rather than any financial issue.

But he said it breaks his heart that he does not have more contact with a club he was the face of as a player as the loveable boy from Braybrook.

“Yeah, it does a little bit. In my 17 years (playing) I marketed that footy club. I was the face of that footy club for membership drives that many times. I did that because I love the footy club, I loved the people, I loved my mates, I was the face of that membership drive for many years of those 17 years.

“I don’t really know what the problem is with me. Maybe I am too popular, maybe I am too loved by the Footscray people, I am not sure.

“I was one of their favourite sons and I still am. I am a passionate Footscray person and I love the club. I love the players, I love the supporters, I love what the Footscray football club and Western Bulldogs football club stand for. I love them to death, I would love to be a part of it, I watch every game. I love them to death.”

I've got no idea what's true and what isn't but...

#BringDougieHome

Why is this article even a thing?

No idea. But it's a sad state.

My childhood idol. Wore the #7 on my back for my entire childhood. Love Dougie ... but surely this isn't the best way to solve these issues.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by angelopetraglia

No idea. But it's a sad state.

My childhood idol. Wore the #7 on my back for my entire childhood. Love Dougie ... but surely this isn't the best way to solve these issues.

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I named my first pet after him when I was 5 years old (a budgie lol).

Does something come up with Hawk every few years?

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Originally Posted by jeemak

Does something come up with Hawk every few years?

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If everyone else in the room is an idiot...

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Originally Posted by soupaman

Why is this article even a thing?

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Part of the sacked series. The headline is BS. If you read the article I don't believe there is anything in it. It even states the club tried to get Doug to be an ambassador a few years ago. I am sure Peter had a lot on his mind at the end of 2014

Quote:

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Originally Posted by comrade

I named my first pet after him when I was 5 years old (a budgie lol).

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If naming your pet bird after a 80's Doggies player, Tony would would have been a much better name comrade.:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by angelopetraglia

No idea. But it's a sad state.

My childhood idol. Wore the #7 on my back for my entire childhood. Love Dougie ... but surely this isn't the best way to solve these issues.

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So many people loved Doug but this is not an article that I want to read about him and if the Prez say's we have been in touch with Doug then that is good enough for me.

It shouldn't be that hard to get Hawkins and the club talking again

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Originally Posted by GVGjr

So many people loved Doug but this is not an article that I want to read about him and if the Prez say's we have been in touch with Doug then that is good enough for me.

It shouldn't be that hard to get Hawkins and the club talking again

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I do get the feeling Dougie loves a walk down media street and has probably put a bit of mayo on the story. A phone call from Gordo should clear the air.

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Originally Posted by KT31

If naming your pet bird after a 80's Doggies player, Tony would would have been a much better name comrade.:)

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My daughter's middle name is Liberatore.

Get them in a room. Seriously hand bag stuff - click bait!

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Originally Posted by Twodogs

My daughter's middle name is Liberatore.

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All this new material TD!

Honestly though, I don't think anyone's had the guts to ask you how she feels about it? I guess we've just assumed we know...…..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jeemak

All this new material TD!

Honestly though, I don't think anyone's had the guts to ask you how she feels about it? I guess we've just assumed we know...…..

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Where have you been? it's hardly been a secret :) His son is is named after a premiership player

This article is a piece of collected quotes from Doug's interview on the latest episode of the Herald Sun's podcast 'Sacked'.

I loved Dougie growing up, and he probably was treated unkindly in the manner of his exit at the end of 94, but I get the impression Dougie also loves to feel hard done by.
I also accept he might not be doing too well cash wise these days, given he's now spinning stop-go signs for the roads department. It's therefore understandable he might be trying to be controversial to try and earn some extra coin on what is a podcast all about that kind of stuff.
I just wish he'd bloody stop talking about himself in the 3rd person when he does these sorts of things. He comes across as very self-centred and full of himself.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

I also accept he might not be doing too well cash wise these days, given he's now spinning stop-go signs for the roads department.

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Have you heard what some of those guys earn? I don't reckon he would be doing too bad. Plus I keep seeing him on TV flogging doors.

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Originally Posted by Axe Man

Have you heard what some of those guys earn? I don't reckon he would be doing too bad. Plus I keep seeing him on TV flogging doors.

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I heard $75 per hour?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

This article is a piece of collected quotes from Doug's interview on the latest episode of the Herald Sun's podcast 'Sacked'.

I loved Dougie growing up, and he probably was treated unkindly in the manner of his exit at the end of 94, but I get the impression Dougie also loves to feel hard done by.
I also accept he might not doing too well cash wise these days,be given he's now spinning stop-go signs for the roads department. It's therefore understandable he might be trying to be controversial to try and earn some extra coin on what is a podcast all about that kind of stuff.
I just wish he'd bloody stop talking about himself in the 3rd person when he does these sorts of things. He comes across as very self-centred and full of himself.

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A female friend of my wife stopped working at a solicitor's office due to pressure and took up spinning stop signs. Her wage with overtime just over $100,000. Doug should be able to live on that.:)

A gap between the club and Doug Hawkins does not sit well with me.

He's actually got a decent football brain. His time playing the clown on the early series' of the Footy Show really hurt the public perception of him

He's certainly not your arrogant past footy star who thinks he's above people. Very approachable, friendly guy in my experience.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jeemak

All this new material TD!

Honestly though, I don't think anyone's had the guts to ask you how she feels about it? I guess we've just assumed we know...…..

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Loves it. Specially since Tom came into the team.

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Originally Posted by bornadog

I heard $75 per hour?

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That's with a lot of overtime and not just spinning the sign. It's digging holes and avoiding idiots who don't pay attention to 40kmh zones. My dad did line marking on the roads of Footscray for nearly 30 years. It's his horrific memories that make me slow down when I see the roadworks sign no matter who s sitting on my tail or how close they are.

Those workers earn every cent.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mofra

He's actually got a decent football brain. His time playing the clown on the early series' of the Footy Show really hurt the public perception of him

He's certainly not your arrogant past footy star who thinks he's above people. Very approachable, friendly guy in my experience.

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Came to my uncle's 80th birthday. Not sure if it was a paid appearance or not but they got their money's worth it it was. Doug stayed for hours and didn't just mumble a few platitudes and make for the entrance. He'd done his homework on my uncle and spoke as if he'd known him for years. Which might actually be the truth.

Point is Doug is a pretty good bloke.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bulldog4life

A female friend of my wife stopped working at a solicitor's office due to pressure and took up spinning stop signs. Her wage with overtime just over $100,000. Doug should be able to live on that.:)

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Ridiculous salary when you think of our teachers and services people like Nursing, Police, Firey etc

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bornadog

Ridiculous salary when you think of our teachers and services people like Nursing, Police, Firey etc

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Agree entirely. There you have workers on the wharves being handsomely paid. Depends who you know and keep it in the family. Not sure if it is still like that.

Doug = Bulldog Legend.

Being born in the late 80s I didn’t see him play but from what our supporters and general football people say he was an excellent player.

Also Doug seems to be a down to earth guy someone you can chat with having a beer in the pub.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eastdog

Doug = Bulldog Legend.

Being born in the late 80s I didn’t see him play but from what our supporters and general football people say he was an excellent player.

Also Doug seems to be a down to earth guy someone you can chat with having a beer in the pub.

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Are you over 30 Easty?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bornadog

Ridiculous salary when you think of our teachers and services people like Nursing, Police, Firey etc

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Firefighters are doing fine.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EasternWest

Firefighters are doing fine.

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You deserve every dollar EW.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bulldog4life

Are you over 30 Easty?

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Yep 31 currently turning 32 next March. Born in 1989.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jeemak

Does something come up with Hawk every few years?

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Yeah it seems that way.

I love Doug, he was a great footballer and footscray person, but this article just seems a little premeditated to me. Why bring this up in a public forum. Sad

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bornadog

Ridiculous salary when you think of our teachers and services people like Nursing, Police, Firey etc

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I think the solution is just pay teachers and nurses what they deserve then, rather than dragging down people with a properly paid job. Solidarity comrades

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hujsh

I think the solution is just pay teachers and nurses what they deserve then, rather than dragging down people with a properly paid job. Solidarity comrades

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Agree

THE BULLDOGS' NEXT ALL-AUSTRALIAN, WHO IS SET FOR A BIG 2021 AND WHO NEEDS A PAY CUT - according to Dougy

Doug Hawkins has delivered his Unconventional Club Review for the Western Bulldogs.


The former club captain spoke to Garry and Tim about the Dogs' 2020 season, and cast an optimistic eye towards 2021.


Who is the Dogs’ next All-Australian?


Hawkins: "The young boy in No. 6, Bailey Smith. He’s really impressed me this year, he’s been terrific," he told SEN Breakfast.


"Of course, there’s a young boy in the forward line who played with that cheekbone injury, Aaron Naughton. They’re the two for me that stand out."


Tim Watson says: "Aaron Naughton. All the pieces will come together and he’ll get a decent, clean run at it."


Do the Bulldogs have the right man as captain? If not, who is?


Hawkins: "(Marcus Bontempelli) is certainly the man. When Bobby Murphy retired at the end of 2017, I would have made him captain then. He’s that mature, I reckon he was ready to do it.


"He won the best and fairest in the year of the premiership, and I thought he was ready to go then. This year he’s taken some forward steps. It’s been a funny season but when he’s up and firing, the Dogs are up and firing."


Watson says: "Spot on. He grew really quickly into that role in the early part of the season."


If “player x” plays well, the Dogs are always a chance?


Hawkins: "I’m going with Naughton again. When he’s up and about, he brings players into the game, he takes pack marks and kicks two or three quick goals. He can change a game pretty quickly."


Watson says: "The Bont."


Which player is deserving of a pay rise?


Hawkins: "Bailey Smith. He finished seventh in the best-and-fairest, he’s a tough young kid. We all love him. I’d like to see him get a little increase to his salary."


Watson says: "I’m going for Bailey Williams who finished top ten (in the best and fairest). He had a very good season, and I would think that he’s underpaid."


Which player should take a pay cut?


Hawkins: "Josh Bruce. He had a pretty ordinary year to his standards. And you know what? We know when we have a bad day or a bad run. He knows he hasn’t been at his best, and I reckon he needs a little bit of a cut."


Watson says: "We’re on the same page, Dougie and I."


Expect a big 2021 from?


Hawkins: "(Aaron Naughton) can kick 50+ goals, if we go back to our normal times each quarter. He can go back as well, if he needs to."


Watson says: "I’m all in on Aaron Naughton, and think he’s going to smash it if he gets a good run with injury."


Big positional change in 2021?


Hawkins: "Josh Bruce. If he can’t fire he can go back. (Josh) Schache didn’t play a lot of footy (in 2020) and struggles up forward at times, I’d like to see him go back as well.


"(Tim) English is the big one. We need to get (another) ruckman. He can be a big target, he can mark the ball, and he can spend 40 to 50 per cent of the game rucking."