IN THE DOGHOUSE: Kevin Hillier

■ In December, 2009, I had the honour of receiving life membership of the Western Bulldogs. It remains one of my proudest moments.

The last week has not tested my commitment and passion for the Western Bulldogs but it has highlighted that the club I walked into 30 years ago is totally different to the one that exists today.

Football is a business and it now appears the only place for sentiment and loyalty lies with the supporters because they are the only ones who choose the club. For everyone else it is a profession.

During my career as a radio broadcaster I have worked for 3XY, Fox, Triple M, Gold, 3AK and currently SEN. I was never going to be a one station ‘player’. Why do we, as footy supporters, think that should be the case with players?

The last week at the Bulldogs was messy, to say the least. The new logo launch was all positive but what followed sent that into quicksand.

While Peter Gordon said the players don’t run the club, the sheer weight of numbers (44 v 1) indicates who will win in the end. I have never seen myself as a players’ man, a board man or favouring any department in the club. I am a life member and, above all, a supporter, so I want what is best for the club. I want to be proud to support the red, white and blue – and I wasn’t last week.

I have seen players, coaches, presidents, staff come and go. I don’t think even Glenys on reception pre-dates me. Yes, I was upset, even angry, when Brad Hardie left, when Terry Wheeler was sacked, when Leon Cameron was traded and when Dougie was shown the door. I wasn’t angry this week, I was sad. Why? I love football but I don’t think I like the AFL version very much, except to watch.

I am one of those old-fashioned supporters, who is passionate about the club and club loyalty, and I know Peter Gordon is the same. We can’t go back because football is a business these days but we can still ask for some basic values, such as honesty and integrity. Very few are doing it for the love of the jumper these days; they are doing it for a salary. So, do your job and if you don’t, face the consequences. We all laugh at footage of Ron Barassi berating Gerard Healy at the Swans, today he would probably be sacked. What do you think?

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