WESTERN Bulldogs Ballarat engagement manager Brett Goodes believes the club and city are forging a strong relationship.
The Bulldogs return to Ballarat on Tuesday for their two-day community camp, following on from the success of last year’s inaugural venture.
According to Goodes, the enthusiasm of the Ballarat community is matched by that of the players.
“This is another step forward in building our relationship with Ballarat,” Goodes told The Courier.
“It's important to us to have more of a presence in Ballarat and to go there again for the camp. We really pushed for it – the boys loved it the last time they were there. As much as the people enjoy our visits, the players equally enjoy it.
“We expect to have as much as fun as we did last year. We're hoping there are great things to come.”
All players and coaches at the Bulldogs will participate in the camp, during which they will visit various schools and football clubs.
The club will also host an open training session at Lake Wendouree Oval on Wednesday.
However, Goodes – who was involved in last year’s camp as a player – said working with special individuals from around Ballarat was the highlight of the two days.
“The most enjoyable thing is probably the community visits – visiting the hospitals and working with the disadvantaged,” Goodes said.
“There’s a real interest in it from the players. They’re really engaged with it.”
The two-hour open session, which begins at 9.30am, will give supporters a chance to see their favourite players in the flesh once again.
We really pushed for it – the boys loved it the last time they were there."
- Brett Goodes on the Bulldogs returning to Ballarat for their camp
Goodes said the intensity of training had increased considerably in recent weeks, so onlookers can expect to see a “lot of footballs being kicked around.”
“Anyone and everyone should come and have a look,” Goodes said.
“The boys aren’t far away from playing in the NAB Challenge, it’s only a week or two away.
“They played their intra club the other day, so they’re really revving up their match stuff.”
The camp will also provide an opportunity for players and staff to see how the redevelopment of Eureka Stadium is tracking along.
The venue could potentially host Western Bulldogs games for premiership points in 2017.
“Me and a few others have been to Ballarat and kept up to date with it, but it’ll be great for the rest of the players and coaches to see the progress and see what is happening,” Goodes said.
