IN THE DOGHOUSE: Kevin Hillier

■ Many footy followers in the west expected the WYN FM caravan to be rocking when I went head-to-head with Deer Park Football Club sponsor Glenn Allison before the match of the day at Spotswood last Saturday. Social media has fuelled a so-called war between me and Deer Park even though, as I’ve written before, it’s absolute rubbish. I don’t care how much Deer Park spends on its senior players and I don’t care where the money comes from. My opinion is that money will see the demise of suburban clubs, as player payments at grassroots level are higher than ever. Glenn was at pains to say that the club is paying “unders” for some of its high-profile ex-AFL players, as Glenn Houlihan walked in the front door because he opened a restaurant in the area; Brent Guerra wanted to play with brother Luke; and Ryan Hargrave plays for less than he was offered by two other WRFL clubs. It’s great to see former AFL-listed players playing in the WRFL . . . it’s just a pity for the competition they all play at the one club. But I’m not at war with the Deer Park club or anybody connected to the club.

■ Former Bulldogs star Jose Romero made an appearance in the Victory Room at Etihad Stadium before the Bulldogs’ clash with the Bombers on Sunday and a popular appearance it was. Bulldogs faithful gave him a rousing cheer and it was great to hear him talk about his genuine excitement about the up-and-coming young Bulldogs players. He told the room not to have unreal expectations and that even if they lost against Essendon to see how much they’d improved. Jose’s football involvement these days is watching son Michael, a very promising 15-year-old who the Dogs have already taken under their wing. Michael is already as tall as his dad and, from all reports, is a great prospect.

■ Gordon Casey, the former Bulldogs back pocket champion, is a familiar face at local footy. He’s often seen at his old stamping ground, Parkside, watching the boys go around or at Hoppers Crossing where he’s a premiership coach. “Case” was at Etihad last week and spoke in the sponsors room about the good old days playing under EJ Whitten and the ‘pleasant Sunday mornings’ – a couple of laps and a couple of beers followed by a couple more beers. 

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