Die-hard Doggies supporter to have his day

Passionate Western Bulldogs supporter Dean Newbold has waited a long time to see his beloved AFL team play in the grand final.

On Saturday afternoon, he will be among almost 100,000 people at the MCG to witness the 2016 season decider.

A Bulldogs fan since he was born, Mr Newbold has sat nervously through his side’s finals series, including the weekend’s epic win over Greater Western Sydney, which triggered his decision to make the pilgrimage to Victoria.

The Albany resident will be hoping his team can break a 62-year premiership drought.

“I was just ecstatic they made it after losing three prelims in a row,” he said.

“I’ve supported the Doggies all my life and this will be my first game at the MCG, so I’m stoked.

“I am going over with a mate from Albany and a wild Dogs supporter from Cairns — it should be a lot of fun.”

After Saturday’s close preliminary final win, Mr Newbold jumped into action by booking flights and accommodation, but he could not get his hands on an elusive seat to the actual game.

Resigned to the fact he may be forced to watch the grand final from Federation Square or in a busy nearby pub, Mr Newbold was finally able to secure a ticket after following up an advertisement in theAlbany Advertiser last week.

The local sheet metal worker was looking forward to watching the popular grand final parade tomorrow and soaking up the whole atmosphere in Melbourne surrounding the game.

He predicted the Bulldogs to win by eight points and tipped the tenacious Luke Dahlhaus to win the Norm Smith Medal.