WESTERN Bulldogs’ grand final appearance could signal another gold rush for the region.
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The club is preparing to bid for its first VFL/AFL premiership since 1954 – all on the eve of bringing AFL matches to Ballarat for premiership points.
City officials say the more hype and fans the Bulldogs draw to the region, the better.
City of Ballarat chief executive officer Justine Linley, a life-long Bulldogs supporter, said whatever happened on Saturday, the Bulldogs’ increased profile would benefit the whole of western Victoria as a destination.
“It’s the right team at the right time for the City,” Ms Linley said.
“With any luck, for Ballarat and Western Bulldogs, we’ve struck another gold rush in a premiership.”
The Western Bulldogs formed a partnership with the City of Ballarat two years ago, featuring club-led social and health engagement programs, with a commitment to bring AFL matches for premiership points to Ballarat for five years from 2017.
Bulldogs players and staff already wear Ballarat branding on their shorts.
Ballarat Regional Tourism chief executive officer Noel Dempsey said an AFL grand final appearance, and potential premiership, would boost Ballarat’s profile in sport and tourism.
“The fact that people are associating Ballarat with the AFL and the hosting of AFL matches is fantastic for positioning us as an irresistible destination,” Mr Dempsey said. “It’s definitely in our favour to have our city associated with a grand finalist. The locals are proud of this fact and others will also associate Ballarat with the Bulldogs and therefore visit a city of AFL significance.”
Domestic visitors spend about $142 per day in Ballarat on accommodation, cafes and restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions. Mr Dempsey said anything that attracts larger crowds was worth the investment.
Visit Ballarat is calling on residents to help mark this city as Bulldogs’ territory and join in grand final hype.
Ms Linley said she would love to see her city also covered in red, white and blue balloons.
“We know a huge number of Ballarat people have formed a connection with the club,” Ms Linley said. “We need to make sure we back our Bulldogs because, as a city, we couldn’t be prouder.”
- Get your Western Bulldogs hero poster in The Courier on Thursday