Rumors circled on Tuesday night that the 17-year reign of Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon had come to an end.
The official announcement was expect for the following day, with former president and lawyer Peter Gordon taking over as president.
The rumours of change at board level for the Bulldogs had been flying around for sometime. Names popping up for Smorgon’s successor included current board member Susan Alberti, who will now be vice-president, and former player Rick Kennedy.
Another former player, Paul Dimattina, was also rumoured to be ready to mount a challenge to take over.
Bulldogs fans have been keen for a change at the top for sometime, and Smorgon himself had been open that his time was up, with 2013 originally being planned as his last year. However, he was swayed by an apparently impressive blueprint to resign a year early.
But for real change at the top, fresh blood was surely needed for the club. Gordon, who was president from 1989-96, is a step back to the old days.
Gordon has had success in the role before, being in charge when the club fought off a merger with Fitzroy. Gordon may have a easier time in the job this time around with the club seemingly in better shape off the field. But on-field, the team is struggling.
Last year Rodney Eade was sacked as coach with the club claiming they needed a “refresh” and change in certain areas begun. Brendan McCartney was appointed senior coach for rebuilding, Jason McCartney came on board as list manager and recently Graham Lowe was hired as high performance manager.
There can be little doubt the Bulldogs have kept to their word of refreshing the club but going back to a former president is surely a step back?
With so many areas of the club moving forward with new people and fresh ideas, surely the same thing is needed at the very top.
The problem for the club is that there doesn’t seem to be many people from outside willing to mount any serious challenge.
If Dimattina is interested in the position his time is now. Fresh blood is needed if the Bulldogs are going to have any chance of turning it around.
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