Hats off to Panthers supporters

[bulldogproud2]

The lean years are the important ones for true supporters to keep the faith through. Well done to all South supporters who still attend.
As a Central supporter, I experienced 22 years where Central did not win a single finals game (1972-1994). Not even South have had to go through as lean a period as that re finals wins. It can turn around and I pray it does for you.
Btw, it may sound strange but I was much happier calling myself a Central supporter during those years than I do now. Today, it is nearly too fashionable to be a Central supporter. Some people think we barrack for them because of the recent good times. It takes a 'badge of courage' to stick with a club through the lean periods. You South supporters have earned that!
Cheers

[JK]

Top post BP2

[Big Phil]

Top post BP2

Agree, well said BP2...

There were many long suffering Central supporters through the lean times and for them, the recent success of the Dogs makes it all the more satisfying for those fans. Some, sadly missed out on seeing the success as they passed on before it came.

Success brings more fans, naturally, and there has been many 'bandwagoners' for want of a better word, come on board with the Doggies over the last decade.

It's dissapointing as an 'SANFL fan' to see South struggling for as long as they have, even more so considering it looked as though the wheel might have been turning for them slightly in 2006, but sadly, it hasn't occured, for now.

It must be even worse for the Panthers fans who have been there through the tough times. Like others, I hope your luck turns soon and applaud your loyalty and dedication to the team.

[mrjbeam1981]

great thread.

it is really heartining for the SANFL to see the same old (not necessarily in age) Panthers at the games.

as a 4th generation Glenelg supporter, i was too young to see the two premierships in the 80s, with the advent of the crows (11 years old) i was in the middle supporting two teams. the late 90s up until 2007 gave me some heartache (too many coaches, not enough wins), but it was good to see the same old supporters there cheering on the bays (some of which are now members of the Snouts Louts).

those south supporters who attend the games regurlarly come* over and say g'day to us on Sunday.

p.s. just a thought, it would be good for the Football Budget to interview those long suffering supporters of the SANFL, from each team.