The battle for the Bulldogs board of directors will be even tighter now that voting members have 19 candidates to choose from when they attend the Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 11 February next year.

Back to Belmore Patron Luke Brailey is among the record field of candidates vying for a spot on the Club's seven-member board, grabbing a top five position on the ballot paper following a draw by Link Market Services at Belmore Sports Ground yesterday after nominations closed two weeks ago. About 13 candidates and officials gathered for the traditional piece of pre-election theatre at Bulldogs HQ. The names of candidates were drawn from a bucket, bingo-style, to determine the order of candidates on the ballot paper.

Mr Brailey said the forthcoming election of seven directors would be an auspicious opportunity for Back to Belmore to renew the organisation's longstanding relationship with the Bulldogs.

"Somehow, there has been a breakdown in the relationship between the Bulldogs and Back to Belmore. Whether Ray Dib, Raelene Castle, the fall of the Roman Empire or the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD that destroyed Pompeii are to blame is completely inconsequential. There is no point apportioning blame or pointing the finger at any individual," he said.

"We're happy to wipe the slate clean, make a fresh start and press the reset button on our relations with Belmore Sports Ground's primary occupant. To that end, we will be heavily favouring the Reform ticket and supporting Lynne Anderson as Chairwoman. I have personally known the family for over 25 years and Lynne has consistently fostered an environment of collaboration and cohesion with grassroots community organisations which will be crucial as we work towards a shared goal."

Bulldogs legend and two-time premiership-winning coach Chris Anderson will be top of the ballot after yesterday's randomised draw. Mr Brailey, who is running as the official endorsed Back to Belmore candidate, drew fifth position.