Events Thread

[GVGjr]

Same as last year, ie standing.

Yep, it looks to be an interesting venue.

[bornadog]

Season Launch Details :

I have early access so expect it to be released to all shortly.
Join us at this inner sanctum event as we kick the season off in style.

Event Details:
Monday 6 March 2023
6:30pm – 9:30pm

Dress code: Neat casual
Early Bird (Before 13 Feb): $175 per person
Standard: $185 per person

Enjoy an exclusive look into the season ahead and hear from Senior Coach, Luke Beveridge and Western Bulldogs officials. Farewell retirees, meet the newest recruits and witness the playing group receive their 2023 jumpers.

Gourmet canapes and premium beverages provided.

Anyone going tonight?

I will be there, on my own, mate can't make it.

[dadsgirl16]

yep I will be there

[bornadog]

Went along last night to the season launch which followed the same format on stage as the previous years few years. The venue was unusual, being in North Melbourne in a converted building surrounded by Industrial businesses.

Pre-covid, the season launch was more formal held at Crown with over 1000 attending, however, the last few years the event has been changed to be more a stand up affair with waiters roaming around with food trays. A bar is set up in one corner where you can drink as much as you want (hopefully, not being stupid about it). So plenty of food and drinks.

This year the players were close to the bar, with some spreading around the room, like Caleb, Libba, Bruce, and if you wanted to talk to them you could, which I don't do that, unless introduced. However, I did talk to Bailey Williams as he walked past about the wrong photo on the website. We had a bit of a laugh over that and he said he had mates, family ringing him about it.

Some things I can remember about the evening:

1. VU Whitten Oval a little behind schedule as asbestos was found in the old stand that was demolished

2. Bevo's speech as usual was a beauty finishing off with wanting to make every venue a slaughter house - hard to explain, but will look out for the video on the club website and post.

3. Caleb Daniel awarded Life membership - 9 years at the club now



4. Players were presented with their jumpers, one by one, and some interviewed by Brad Johnson.

5. Tim English was asked about round one and combating the Melbourne rucks. He jokingly said he is having sleepless nights thinking about it. On a serious note, he said he is working with Brendon Lade on tactics etc.

6. As mentioned in other threads, Weightman was asked about the three talls, and whether he would still be trying to jump over the lot - he said he would be staying down a lot more this year.

7. As usual, the young recruits spoke well when interviewed.

8. Only player not to attend was Lobb

9. Love the attitude of Arty Jones, always smiling, and really enjoying being part of the group.

Not much else of noteworthy said, but will post if I remember.

[Grantysghost]

I stayed away due to the venue and format.

What did you think of it BAD? I love a good Bevo speech, if he's using slaughterhouse that sounds like something I want to hear.

[bornadog]

I stayed away due to the venue and format.

What did you think of it BAD? I love a good Bevo speech, if he's using slaughterhouse that sounds like something I want to hear.

I prefer the Crown, formal launch, but the venue was pretty good. Better than Zinc last year. My only complaint was the music was a bit loud and hard to talk to people. (and no not because I am getting old )

The one good thing about the standing up is you can wonder around and talk to people. I caught up with someone who is a friend and also does corporate stuff behind the scenes at the club and he introduced me to lots of people as he was a magnet.

[bornadog]

Bevo

[kruder]

Got to love Bevo, he looks healthy, happy and has a glint in his eye.

If there were hot coals around I'd considering doing a Nigel Smart after that speech

[dalek]

I prefer the Crown, formal launch, but the venue was pretty good. Better than Zinc last year. My only complaint was the music was a bit loud and hard to talk to people. (and no not because I am getting old )

The one good thing about the standing up is you can wonder around and talk to people. I caught up with someone who is a friend and also does corporate stuff behind the scenes at the club and he introduced me to lots of people as he was a magnet.

Glad someone else thought the music was too loud.

Had an enjoyable night although.

[bornadog]

Glad someone else thought the music was too loud.

Had an enjoyable night although.

I let them know in the survey sent out today

[dalek]

I let them know in the survey sent out today

I also did that plus having better seating arrangement.

[bornadog]

I thought the events for supporters this year was pretty weak compared to the past.

Not sure what has happened to the members Christmas Party which was a feature pre Covid days.

With AFLW, I am a foundation member and the first few years, we had a get together with the players, but again nothing since Covid.

The season launches have also gone down hill, and have become a last minute thing with no advertising to members it is on, and just a stand up event with canapes and drinks.

I hope there are better plans for 2024, especially with the new function centre being built in the new Whitten Stand (will it still be called that)

[Axe Man]

I thought the events for supporters this year was pretty weak compared to the past.

Not sure what has happened to the members Christmas Party which was a feature pre Covid days.

With AFLW, I am a foundation member and the first few years, we had a get together with the players, but again nothing since Covid.

The season launches have also gone down hill, and have become a last minute thing with no advertising to members it is on, and just a stand up event with canapes and drinks.

I hope there are better plans for 2024, especially with the new function centre being built in the new Whitten Stand (will it still be called that)

Yep, pisses me off that they provided a Social Club Christmas party every year pre Covid and then just conveniently forgot to bring it back. I want my burrito, beer and ice cream!

Not to mention I don't think players have ever returned to speak in the social club pre game like they did before Covid either. Obviously the guaranteed grand final ticket is the main reason to be a social club member but now there do not seem to be any other benefits whatsoever.

[bornadog]

Yep, pisses me off that they provided a Social Club Christmas party every year pre Covid and then just conveniently forgot to bring it back. I want my burrito, beer and ice cream!

Not to mention I don't think players have ever returned to speak in the social club pre game like they did before Covid either. Obviously the guaranteed grand final ticket is the main reason to be a social club member but now there do not seem to be any other benefits whatsoever.

Yes, zero benefits of being in social club

[bornadog]

Well, a further down grade of the season launch:


Bulldogs to launch season at VU Whitten Oval

Western Bulldogs members and fans are invited to rally together at VU Whitten Oval on Friday 23 February, as we launch the 2024 AFL Season.

Be there in person as we present our 2024 playing group with their jumpers, and hear from coaches, leadership personnel and players as we build excitement for the season ahead.

It?s a free, family-friendly event with plenty on offer to keep you entertained ? including a special snap and sign session with the entire team, the Footscray-Yarraville Band, food trucks and our fan zone packed full of footy activities and giveaways for kids.

We?ll also have special offers on Bulldogs memberships and merchandise to ensure that you?re ready for the upcoming season.

The 2024 Season Launch will occur after the scheduled practice matches for both the AFL (11am start) and VFL teams (1:50pm start).

2024 Season Launch

Friday, 23 February, 4:00pm AEDT
VU Whitten Oval, West Footscray ? Wurundjeri/Boon Wurrung

• 4pm: Entry open via Cross Street, VU Whitten Oval
• 4:15pm ? 5pm: Player signing session
• 5pm: Jumper presentations to start
• 6pm: Approximate finish