By Suheil Damouny

18 October 2006 - The Torch

Luke Brailey is a diehard Bulldogs fan and it is this unquestionable passion for the blue and which has fuelled his commitment to get the team back to their original home at Belmore Sports Ground (BSG).

He has now taken his plea to the streets of Belmore, Canterbury and Bankstown to encourage locals to support him and demand the team to readopt Belmore as their home ground. He is planning to distribute flyers during Bulldogs games in 2007, letter box drops and under windscreen wipers in the community.

Luke, who is the president of “Back to Belmore Incorporated” campaign, aims to pursue financial contributions to help sponsor the campaign to upgrade the BSG from its current deteriorated state.

After contacting Canterbury Council, the Bulldogs and the National Rugby League (NRL) Headquarters, with no positive response, he has become frustrated with Ministers, NRL Officials and Leagues Club members each “buck passing” him to the next.

“Belmore has been the Bulldogs' home ground since 1935 and is the life blood of the team. I want to maintain the traditions of the Bulldogs and have the hill where people can put their rugs and have a good time, people do not need seats at Telstra Stadium - it is not the opera for heaven's sake,” he said.

In a letter sent to Luke Brailey from Canterbury Mayor Robert Furolo, he stated that he supports the Bulldogs returning to their “rightful home ground.”

“As Mayor, I have worked, and will continue to work in any constructive and serious effort by both Bulldogs Boards to bring the Doggies back home. However, while Council is willing to support these efforts, such an outcome will require significantly more resources than the Council can commit,” he said.

For the latest information on the campaign visit backtobelmore.com.au