Cheer Squad

[inyourfacedunk]

More importantly, who is the guy that looks like a very portly Ryan Griffen? He's always on TV getting real animated. He's fantastic.

Almost every televised game for the last few years there will be a shot of him going off. It's great.
It's like we've all watched him growing up before our very eyes. Brings a tear to my eye.

 

[DoggyStyle]

Also what happened to the doggie style banner on the wing?

Not sure But I endorse it

 

[Martyn_30_]

Hopefully the new cheer squad allows people under 100kg to be involved.

 

[TiAn_]

I'm 28, so I had the pleasure of watching games at Whitten (nee Western) Oval from 94-97, from when I was 8 to 12 years old. The crowd was so much more vocal in those days, there's no comparison to the present.

Back then, there was a 'Foot-scray or 'Bull-dogs' (clap, clap, clap) chant after every goal, 'let's go bulldogs, let's go' during stoppages in play and generally more collective involvement.

Unfortunately, the spontaneity and vigour of Bulldogs supporters has waned in the last decade.

You could argue that the moves to Optus Oval, then the bigger Etihad Stadium, have contributed to the dispersal of fans and the reduction in crowd chants. However, when we used to play at the MCG or Waverley Park, the crowd was still far more vocal than it is today. In my view, a lot of that was instigated by a large and healthy cheer squad.

Having watched the cheer squad dwindle and quieten over the last decade (particularly the last few years) it appears that the demographic simply skewed too far to 'old' and 'weird' and there didn't appear to be any youths joining to keep the numbers up.

What teenager or young adult is going to want to spend their Friday night, Saturday or Saturday night (not to mention time during the week) with a bunch of weird old (and by some accounts grumpy or mean) snuffs?

I'm not going to join the cheer squad because I simply don't have the time (due to career, and life in general), but it may be something I reconsider when I have children in that 8-12 age range. However, I'm certainly not going to entertain that based on my current perception of the cheer squad.

I'm hoping that a letting of old blood and an injection of new will make the cheer squad something more appealing to kids or teenagers, and their parents. Most importantly, to people with enthusiasm and perhaps some new, fresh or cool ideas.

Cheers to all the people who have volunteered countless hours over the years to support the club we all love, and a further toast to the club for taking a proactive step to reinvigorate an important part of the gameday experience and atmosphere. Here's hoping the cheer squad in 2014 is loud, proud and sets an example that all the other supporters will want to follow.

 

[Lex22]

Almost every televised game for the last few years there will be a shot of him going off. It's great.
It's like we've all watched him growing up before our very eyes. Brings a tear to my eye.

Geez I love that guy.

 

[MightyHawks]

Can I buy the "Peter Rhode Our Mastermind Banner"

It'd be my favourite bit of football memorabilia

 

[DexterTan]

Almost every televised game for the last few years there will be a shot of him going off. It's great.
It's like we've all watched him growing up before our very eyes. Brings a tear to my eye.

I know the guy, very passionate doggies member and all round good bloke.

He loves the Liberal party and Tony Abbot...no wait

As for the Cheersquad. When I first moved to Melbourne in 2004, I joined the cheersquad. Even made a couple of signs.

As a few posters have pointed out, the view isn't that good, which turned me off a bit. And the head honchos weren't really that welcoming.

I donated the signs to the CS but they never saw the light of day.

BTW the signs were

"Big Willy Style" and "Gilbee Hit This Target"

I'm not sure why they never make new and interesting signs.

Was "The Glove" sign ever seen?

I reckon some new players signs like The Padlock for Mitch Wallis and The Rat for Hrovat would be welcome additions.

And of course "All Hail Spindleshanks"

 

[tasmanlvr]

Had a curious look at this thread. Sorry to intrude.

I'm part of the Melbourne cheer squad, and have been for two and a half years now. We had a restructure quite similar to yours - while the last person to run it did a good job, like yours seems to be (judging by your responses), our cheer squad was waning in terms of interest, particularly among the young folk. It was something the Dees targeted when we restructured our cheer squad. We were lucky, in that regard, that our previous leader did not complain to the papers given our already precarious position after our 2012 season.

The people who run the cheer squad nowadays got responses from some of the players who said that the cheer squad, in terms of support, was much louder than in previous years. More kids were joining which is what the club asked for. Hopefully the Dogs' upcoming restructure of the cheer squad yields similar results.

 

[TheHoneyBadger]

Good riddance.

The Western Bulldogs Cheer Squad has been responsible for some disgraceful things in the past couple of years. As such, the club and the cheer squad have been butting heads quite a bit in recent times. Great move by the club to dump the idiots and narcissists who oversee it all and employ their own leadership structure that they can control and monitor.

For the majority, belonging to a cheer squad is nothing short of an ego trip for those who like to take some sort of moral superiority and show the rest of us how much more they care about their club. They're all very sure of their own importance on match day and in the general running of the club.

In saying that, the irony when Porter talks about being the club's 'number one supporter' after running to the Herald Sun to bash the club and make claims like 'I won't be going to the footy anymore'. Turn it down Porter, you tosser. This guy doesn't care about the club, he cares about himself.

On a side note; 'Macca our taskmaster'. Jesus Christ. Is this what Porter and Munn have been doing all these years? I couldn't think of anything more cringe worthy.

Our supporter base, and most particularly our cheer squad, is by far the worst in the league. Our fan culture is non-existent. This is progress.

Absolutely couldn't agree more. I don't see how I'm any less of a contributor than Porter just because I don't yell and scream like a rabid moron. I buy my membership every year, I buy guernseys, donate to the club, purchase memorabilia, attend every Melbourne game, go to the Family Days, convert people when I can, drive an hour each way to get to games, get absolutely ripped off by Etihad's ticketing arrangement, defend my team to the death from the uneducated masses, but because I'm not part of the clique I'm less of a supporter, apparently.
And you're the number one supporter, Dave, this support hinging on controlling other passionate supporters and looking down your nose at people who fight just as hard for this club as you if not harder?
Good ****ing riddance.

 

[Igloo]

Had a curious look at this thread. Sorry to intrude.

I'm part of the Melbourne cheer squad, and have been for two and a half years now. We had a restructure quite similar to yours - while the last person to run it did a good job, like yours seems to be (judging by your responses), our cheer squad was waning in terms of interest, particularly among the young folk. It was something the Dees targeted when we restructured our cheer squad. We were lucky, in that regard, that our previous leader did not complain to the papers given our already precarious position after our 2012 season.

The people who run the cheer squad nowadays got responses from some of the players who said that the cheer squad, in terms of support, was much louder than in previous years. More kids were joining which is what the club asked for. Hopefully the Dogs' upcoming restructure of the cheer squad yields similar results.

The Dogs vs Dees game I went to this year, I was very impressed by your cheer squad. Hardly stopped the whole game, and looked like it had quite a good attendance. If this was due to a similar restructure to what we are about to undertake, I hope it works out the same way for us.

 

[TempleKelvington]

How about the "Wood Is Good" sign

lol

The one that made me laugh a few years ago was "Peter Rohde, our mastermind"

 

[DexterTan]

lol

The one that made me laugh a few years ago was "Peter Rohde, our mastermind"

Shhhhhhh, don't mention his name....

 

[paulveed]

I wonder how many "commentators" have ever taken on a voluntary role with a club?
While it can be a rewarding experience, it can take a massive personal commitment, of
both one's time and money.

Yes it can draw some people who are on a kind of 'toy' power or ego trip. But from my
personal experience the majority are usually dedicated and enthusiastic givers of their
own time, energy, and enthusiasm.

Having worked on the committees of several clubs [ non football ], I soon found much,
and usually constantly increasing work load falls to fewer and fewer members. This usually
leads to one of three outcomes : 1. people get frustrated and drop out.
2. some become pushy or even dictatorial as they tend
to get left 'carrying the can' or work load by a lazy majority, unless they throw their weight
around a bit, or harass others to pull their weight.
3. the numbers and interest dwindles due to those pulling
all the load lose enthusiasm and back off.

If the group is not regularly infused with new blood and enthusiasm on a pretty regular basis,
yes the demographic does age quite quickly, and ideas can become stale.

Now I have not been involved with our cheer squad [ my location pretty much precluding that],
I do have empathy and sympathy as well as admiration for those who can and are prepared to
regularly devote their time and energy to all the voluntary tasks and labour involved. Devoting time
every week to producing banners, raising funds by running sausage sizzles etc., etc., etc. for
little thanks or recognition from the majority of the membership could be pretty frustrating and
enthusiasm destroying.

Rather than sitting on the wings and glibly criticising others efforts, perhaps some on here might
offer their time and services to make the whole thing [ CS] more vibrant and interesting. Any operation
becomes stale over time without an infusion of young new ideas and volunteers willing to contribute.

Look I don't know the guys who have been running the show, but I do have some idea of just
how much they need to devote in order to make these kinds of groups work, and I say salute to
them and thanks for years of effort any way.

I must admit the fact that the club has chosen to get involved directly does suggest there
is probably problems, but I worry if the concept of 'Head Office' taking control will really produce
a long term viable alternative, or really deter overblown egos, if that was in fact the problem.

In any case, good luck to the cheer squad going forward, thanks to all those who have contributed
for so long already, and let's hope the new structure works both for the club's, and Cheer Squad
members benefit.

 

[TempleKelvington]

The Dogs vs Dees game I went to this year, I was very impressed by your cheer squad. Hardly stopped the whole game, and looked like it had quite a good attendance. If this was due to a similar restructure to what we are about to undertake, I hope it works out the same way for us.

Well yes, but if you look at the stats our guys are well down on Hard Banner Gets (HBG) and our spelling ephicency was below 60%.
Chant volume too seemed an area of development also at less than 85 decibel average with comp average around 100.

So I think they need a complete rebuild and put in place a 5 year plan that will see us as the best cheer squad in the comp.

The only way to do that is to go back to the draft and recruit kids that can spell, have banner imagination and loud voices. I do wonder why they delisted Dave and Garry before seeking a trade first and it will be interesting to see if GWS or GC recruits them to add much needed experience to their young groups.

 

[total football]

Rather than sitting on the wings and glibly criticising others efforts, perhaps some on here might
offer their time and services to make the whole thing [ CS] more vibrant and interesting. Any operation
becomes stale over time without an infusion of young new ideas and volunteers willing to contribute.

Look I don't know the guys who have been running the show, but I do have some idea of just
how much they need to devote in order to make these kinds of groups work, and I say salute to
them and thanks for years of effort any way.

I must admit the fact that the club has chosen to get involved directly does suggest there
is probably problems, but I worry if the concept of 'Head Office' taking control will really produce
a long term viable alternative, or really deter overblown egos, if that was in fact the problem.

I'm sure there are a lot of Bulldogs supporters out there that aren't nuffies who would love to volunteer their time for the club. Sadly (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), the club is slowly becoming a very well-run organisation, so most things are handled in-house. Absorption of the cheer squad is just further progress. Progress I am personally very happy about.

The reality is that the cheer squad (Munn, particularly) and Garlick have been butting heads quite a bit behind closed doors. Anyone remember a couple of years ago when the players were refusing to acknowledge the cheer squad after games because one of the more high profile members decided to call Josh Hill a 'black c***' (or words to that affect) during a game? That didn't sit too well with the club.

 

[total football]

lol

The one that made me laugh a few years ago was "Peter Rohde, our mastermind"

Sadly, we belong to a small, isolated footballing community bereft of ideas and inspiration. Do we really think that the cringe-worthy cliches that we put on our banners are going to inspire the players and lift the team's performance? We are kidding ourselves.

The only thing our cheer squad has been successful in doing is trotting out the same tired rot game after game, season after season. 'Our Taskmaster', 'Our Inspiration', 'COOOON'. Jesus Christ.



For those here who aren't soccer fans, this is what a cheer squad looks like. This is what Borussia Dortmund's supporters came up with for last season's Champions League tie against Malaga.

To say that we pale in comparison is a gross understatement.

 

[BRG93]

Just received an Expression of Interest form in the mail, with 4 different sections to choose from...

Banner Making & Events
Fundraising/Finances
Match-Day Activities
Social Media & Communication

I am signing up, you can take a wild guess at what I'm signing up for ;p

Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio Z715e using Tapatalk

 

[Interloper]

View attachment 37352

For those here who aren't soccer fans, this is what a cheer squad looks like. This is what Borussia Dortmund's supporters came up with for last season's Champions League tie against Malaga.

To say that we pale in comparison is a gross understatement.

That's impressive.

 

[Lex22]

I'm sure there are a lot of Bulldogs supporters out there that aren't nuffies who would love to volunteer their time for the club. Sadly (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), the club is slowly becoming a very well-run organisation, so most things are handled in-house. Absorption of the cheer squad is just further progress. Progress I am personally very happy about.

The reality is that the cheer squad (Munn, particularly) and Garlick have been butting heads quite a bit behind closed doors. Anyone remember a couple of years ago when the players were refusing to acknowledge the cheer squad after games because one of the more high profile members decided to call Josh Hill a 'black c***' (or words to that affect) during a game? That didn't sit too well with the club.

I thought that was an opposition member that said that not one of ours.

 

[Interloper]

Well yes, but if you look at the stats our guys are well down on Hard Banner Gets (HBG) and our spelling ephicency was below 60%.
Chant volume too seemed an area of development also at less than 85 decibel average with comp average around 100.

So I think they need a complete rebuild and put in place a 5 year plan that will see us as the best cheer squad in the comp.

The only way to do that is to go back to the draft and recruit kids that can spell, have banner imagination and loud voices. I do wonder why they delisted Dave and Garry before seeking a trade first and it will be interesting to see if GWS or GC recruits them to add much needed experience to their young groups.

Nice touch

 

[black pup]

My information tells me the club had to step in. Cheer squad had to be cleaned up. Anyway, everybody has the chance to reapply join ect. Our club is for all members, not a few that think they own or have a right to run things.
I am a member of the past players, we have been player sponsors for many years, my wife and I have been members for over 50 years.
People should never forget. THE CLUB IS ALWAYS BIGGER THAN THE INDIVIDUAL.

 

[Dogs_r_barking]

Geez I love that guy.

Can someone post a pic? My son goes off, and often gets on the TV - just hope it's not him

 

[Chicago1]

Last time I checked, there was nothing that said the cheer squad leadership group was a position for life - like the pontiff for example.

Not even being Pope is a position for life nowadays!

Remember when the club had a group of high school age girls as a pompon(pompom) squad? They did routines at matches at the WO.

 

[Interloper]

Not even being Pope is a position for life nowadays!

Remember when the club had a group of high school age girls as a pompon(pompom) squad? They did routines at matches at the WO.

There is much to be learned from history

 

[Bont2Bruce]

Not even being Pope is a position for life nowadays!

Remember when the club had a group of high school age girls as a pompon(pompom) squad? They did routines at matches at the WO.

I do remember. I was in high school at the time.