Dogs of roar! Canterbury fans celebrate end of finals drought in Belmore
After watching their side blow away the Dolphins all the way in Bundaberg, Bulldogs fans hit the streets of Belmore to celebrate the official end of an eight-year finals drought.
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Jubilant Bulldogs fans have flooded popular Burwood Road to celebrate the club’s first finals appearance in eight years.
In a euphoric party, around 400 Canterbury supporters were beating drums, chanting ‘Bulldogs’ and singing the club’s victory song.
It comes after Canterbury’s 30-10 win over the Dolphins on Saturday in Bundaberg, 1300kms from the streets of Belmore.
NSW Police were in attendance but all fans behaved.
Supporters gathered outside well-known Jobels Café and lined up down the main Belmore thoroughfare.
It was Canterbury’s 13th win this season and pushes the club to 32 competition points.
With a finals position now sealed, the Bulldogs can begin hunting a top four spot.
Canterbury hadn’t qualified for the NRL finals since 2016.
The drought has been long and frustrating for the club’s massive and passionate fan base but the partying has begun.
It is the second time this month fans have taken to Burwood Road after a Bulldogs’ win.
Supporters were cheering on both sides of the road.
As passing cars honked their horns, fans were singing: ‘The Dogs are having a party’.
Even young kids were ripping into the celebrations.
Former Penrith and Souths star Josh Mansour was also caught-up in the celebration.
“The fans have all blocked off Burwood Road yet again in scenes that the club hasn’t seen for around ten years,” said Bulldogs football club member and 50-year fan, Bill Diakos.
“This is a wonderful celebration. We’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves but ‘bring on the finals’.
“And bring on our next opponent.”
Fans were also signing the now popular rugby league song, ‘Hey! Baby’.
Canterbury face the Warriors, Manly and North Queensland over the final three rounds.
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