■ What a week it is for anyone lucky enough to be a Bulldogs’ supporter, especially those in the west, in the heartland of an incredible experience. It may turn out to be a historic experience, who knows. The Footscray Bulldogs will run onto the oval at Etihad Stadium on Sunday to contest the VFL grand final against Casey, less than 24 hours after the AFL side tries to win a spot in its first grand final since 1961. Win, lose or draw, it is something very special for Bulldogs fans. The venue for the AFL game (Spotless Stadium) is not ideal. Forget the Giants and Bulldogs fans, a preliminary final deserves better. If I were a Giants supporter, I would want my boys playing on the big stage, a preliminary final on the MCG. After all, that’s the venue where you win the premiership, and nothing prepares you for the real thing like a pressure-packed dress rehearsal. To have just 24,000 fans at a game of this importance is a bit disrespectful – players deserve and have earned the big occasion. Mind you I am sure there are some players who don’t care at all where the game is being played. Go Doggies.
■ Williamstown bowed out of the VFL season last week after a disappointing showing against Casey in the preliminary final. The Seagulls are a very proud club demanding success, and they will bounce back bigger and better in 2017. Werribee saw the first sod of dirt turned on the redevelopment of Chirnside Park last week, with a bevy of local pollies in attendance. Great to see Pauline Nicol, widow of the late John, involved, very fitting. The Tigers face a nomadic 2017 season, but like Williamstown endured a few years back, the end result will be well worth it. Werribee’s Bruce Montgomery Trophy presentation night is on Thursday, September 29, at Moonee Valley Racing Club, while the Seagulls’ Gerry Callahan Medal will be presented on the same night at its Seaview Events Centre. The WRFL senior presentation night is on this Thursday at Moonee Valley.
■ St Albans Cricket Club is holding a free junior cricket clinic for six to 16-year-olds on Wednesday, September 28, at Kings Park Reserve, 10am–noon. The Saints are teaming up with Melbourne Renegades. Registrations online via the Cricket Victoria website. There will be a free sausage sizzle afterwards.
