A new year brings new hope, new faces and new opportunities. 

Less than two months into 2021, we’ve had the pleasure of watching Isabella Grant take the field in her dad’s famous No. 3 guernsey, continuing a legendary family legacy as the Club’s inaugural father-daughter player.

One of our five father-sons Mitch Wallis has been named as Marcus Bontempelli’s vice-captain, and as part of a new leadership structure designed to give all players an opportunity to lead in their own way. Following on from playing finals in two successive years, the group is hungry and determined to take the next step.

Jessica Fitzgerald’s blistering start has seen her rewarded with a NAB Rising Star nomination and be awarded goal of the week, while Ellie Blackburn continues to make her mark as one of the game’s truly elite players.

And above all else, there’s been nothing better than welcoming crowds back to VU Whitten Oval. The simple pleasure of gathering as a Bulldogs family to support our team is what it’s all about. 

With less than a month now remaining to the start of the AFL season, our focus is to ensure as many Bulldogs members have an opportunity to access our games in a likely reduced capacity environment. 

While Victoria’s recent snap lockdown is a reminder of how quickly things can change, we have every expectation and confidence that crowds will once again return to Marvel Stadium in full voice. 

Last week we launched our 2021 membership campaign, Made of Red, White & Blue. I’d like to again thank all our existing members for your ongoing loyalty and support, and particularly those renewing members who stuck with us during the tumult of last year.

I cannot overstate the importance of your contribution to the Club, and as a key pillar of our strong 2020 off-field result, that also included significant announcements related to the future of VU Whitten Oval - with redevelopment activities set to begin in earnest later this year. It also helped enable us to successfully settle on the sale of our gaming venues and exit from that industry.

With almost 33,000 members already committed for 2021, including a record number of AFLW members, we’ve built a strong foundation to drive this next phase of growth as we inch closer towards Round 1.

Prior to the pandemic we had set our sights on an ambitious 2020 target of 50,000 members and we need all of your support if we’re to ultimately achieve that figure either in this season, or at some point in the near future. 

For any unrenewed members, or to those considering a membership product for the first time, a Bulldogs membership will give you the best opportunity to attend games in 2021 and watch your team play. 

As a club we have worked to deliver a simpler membership offering, that provides the flexibility and value that is compatible with the times, developing 3, 6 and 9 game options across all levels of seating at Marvel Stadium. Our focus is to provide members with the best experience possible, and above all else, a safe way to return to the stands.

Across membership categories prices have either been frozen or dropped, providing considerable savings relative to the corresponding 2020 membership, while all renewing AFL access members are entitled to a free upgrade for this season as a small token of thanks for their unwavering loyalty.

After last year, we know that circumstances for many of you have changed, but we want you with us as we continue our AFLW campaign and embark on this forthcoming AFL season.

As Bulldogs we’re made of something else, born out of our spirit, our history and heroes. We’re bred to stick together through and through…Made of Red, White and Blue.

An exciting future is there for us all to embrace, and we need and want you with us on the journey. 

Ameet Bains