■ Deer Park Football Club has written itself into WRFL history by winning its fourth division-one premiership in a row in emphatic fashion last Sunday at the Whitten Oval. The blue-and-gold machine was unstoppable and in the end there was nothing the opposition could do to halt the landslide. The reigning premiers put a week of controversy behind them to concentrate on winning football. Even the last-minute loss of gun on-baller Jack Purton-Smith failed to shake their resolve. They were methodical, organised, disciplined and just too talented on the day. You have to admire the way they play footy and the results speak for themselves. Marc Bullen and Luke Summers are retiring from senior football. Bullen has brought four premiership cups to John McLeod Oval as senior coach and Luke Summers is a five-time premiership player and the heart and soul of the club. They leave a great legacy.
■ The off-field controversy at Deer Park was the talk of the footy world last week. Like most people in footy in the west, I have heard of the message. I do find it fascinating that someone who was upset at not being told some bad news to his face would respond by posting a message on a closed Facebook page. Why not contact the person you had the beef with and express your point of view? Or arrange a face-to-face meeting? Then it remains a private matter. The only reason is attention seeking. It is also the way to shape the situation with just one point of view. This has become standard use of social media. I think it is weak.
■ On as brighter note, what about those Bulldogs? The win against the Eagles was one for the ages and had long-time Doggies fans searching their memories for victories that rank with the victory in Perth. The 1984 game against Collingwood, featuring Gubby Allen and Simon Beasley, is up there. As is the 2000 Terry Wallace/Chris Grant-inspired victory over Essendon. One of my favourites is the win over Geelong at Kardinia Park in 2001.
■ I am happy to report I will be back on 1116 SEN from this Saturday with the spring races starting to heat up. I am looking forward to once again bringing you the big sports events over summer.
