Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over power

[LostDoggy]

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/western-bulldogs-shake-up-as-long-serving-president-david-smorgon-hands-over-power/story-fndv7pj3-1226497332600

THE 17-year reign of Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon is over.

In a shock move, Smorgon, 65, has tonight agreed to hand power to former club president Peter Gordon for the 2013 season.

Smorgon took over the top job at Whitten Oval in 1996 - from anti-merger hero Gordon.

Smorgon was expected to serve one more year in the top job, but was swayed by a succession report tabled at a lengthy Bulldogs board meeting today.

The shake-up, to be confirmed by the club tomorrow, will see wealthy Dogs director Susan Alberti named as vice-president.

Smorgon will stand down from the board at the club's annual general meeting on December 20.

Bulldogs members will then be asked to vote Gordon on to the board, which would confirm his presidency.

A Bulldogs board committee, headed by outgoing Dogs director Ian Veal, has spent several months exploring succession options for the popular Smorgon.

The committee recently settled on the pairing of Gordon and Alberti, a recommendation approved at today's board meeting.

The quality of the candidates was enough to convince Smorgon that the time was right to step aside.

Gordon, a successful lawyer, became Bulldogs president in 1989 after leading the fight against a merger with Fitzroy.

His board stood aside for the Smorgon administration in 1996.

Smorgon is the second-longest serving president in the AFL behind Sydney Swans chairman Richard Colless.

Agitator and former player Paul Dimattina is not a part of the changes.

If Dimattina was determined to join the board, as he has repeatedly signalled, he could try to force an election.

[GVGjr]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

Well we have done the full circle. Hopefully Peter Gordon can get the club moving forward at a faster rate.

[Eastdog]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

Thank you David Smorgon for everything you have done for the club in your time.

[SlimPickens]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

I will always admire the job David has done for our football club. The time is right for him to move on but it can be never understated what he has achieved.

Well done David and thank you.

[ratsmac]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

Thanks David for all your hard work over the years. Good luck with all your future endeavours. Its was an enjoyable ride (at times)

[BulldogBelle]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

Top effort by David Smorgon throughout all the years he was our President. I wish him well in all future endeavours.

[Throughandthrough]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

Thank you David Smorgon for everything you have done for the club in your time.

Hear hear

And, of course, a young Julia gillard used to work at slater and Gordon

[Bornadog]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

David has done a remarkable job for the club since taking over at the end of 1996 and has made some incredible achievements.

Hopefully the next President can take us up another notch.

[ledge]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

Hardly a shock move seems to
Have been planned and executed very well

[jeemak]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

Thanks to David Smorgon for all of his efforts. He was passionate and he changed the direction of this club for the better.

Good luck to Gordon and Alberti, hopefully they can take the club to a new level.

[Remi Moses]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

David Smorgon has done a terrific job and all the best for the future.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

I have nothing but respect and admiration for the job that Smorgon has done.

I look forward to him joining the Bulldog Hall of Fame - and no, I've not checked the eligibility criteria

[chef]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

Thanks for saving our club Smorgo.

[Desipura]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

I would not be surprised if the Peter Gordon appointment is only a 12 month one until Susan Alberti gets her health back.

[KT31]

Re: Western Bulldogs shake-up as long-serving president David Smorgon hands over powe

I would not be surprised if the Peter Gordon appointment is only a 12 month one until Susan Alberti gets her health back.

I'm sure Susan will be President at some stage, but IMO Peter will stay for at least a three year term.
If what you suggest is the case I imagine Smorgo would have kept the Presidency for one more year tehn passed it to Susan.
Gordon is not a man who half commits to things and the Presidency is not a position to take on for a year and then pass on.