Richard Dean
Updated on: October 11, 2024 3:59 pm GMT
After a long hiatus from success, the Canterbury Bulldogs have ignited excitement in their fanbase by making the finals for the first time in eight years. The resurgence has led to vibrant celebrations among supporters, particularly in their local community of western Sydney, blending traditions with modern expressions of fandom.
Youthful Enthusiasm Amid a Winning Season
Emilio Bounassif, an 18-year-old Bulldogs diehard, embodies the optimism circulating through the club’s renewed following. Although born two years after the Bulldogs’ last title win in 2004, he carries an ardent passion for the team. “Making the finals means the world to me. I actually started crying when we made it,” Bounassif remarked. His dedication is evident; he has attended every match this season despite years of disappointment for the club.
This season marks a significant turnaround for the Bulldogs. The team’s recent performance has outpaced the struggles of previous years, including a wooden spoon finish in 2021. With a record this year that surpasses their win count from the last three seasons combined, the Bulldogs find themselves in sixth place on the league ladder and set to face the Manly Sea Eagles in the first round of the finals.
A New Generation of Bulldogs Supporters
As the Bulldogs find success, so too does a new wave of fandom emerge, characterized by a combination of sports passion and digital savviness. Bounassif is not alone in this endeavor; many young fans have turned to platforms like TikTok to share their experiences. Fellow supporter Suhayb Elmarouk has launched a podcast named Ajibeh’s Couch, alongside collaborator Fareed Tawk, who shares NRL insights on TikTok. Both express immense joy at witnessing the resurgence in community spirit as the Bulldogs return to form on the field.
Elmarouk emphasized the cultural aspect of community celebrations: “You can’t change these things. It’s in our blood.” His comments highlight the unique ways in which the Bulldogs’ fan culture manifests, driven by a mix of Lebanese heritage and sporting tradition.
Heartfelt Celebrations in the Community
The return to form for the Bulldogs has reignited joy in the streets of Belmore, where fans have been celebrated in exuberant and colorful ways. Following a pivotal win against the Warriors, celebrations erupted, bringing traffic to a standstill as supporters danced and sang in unison, a sight unseen for a decade. This reaction wasn’t just spontaneous; it represented a deep connection between the team’s success and the cultural identity of its supporters.
The atmosphere generated during games is distinct from that of other clubs, enriched by elements typical of Lebanese festivities, such as drumming and traditional dances. Elmarouk remarked on the joy that sport brings, stating, “A lot of our families have lived through war… but this is why sport is so beautiful; it alleviates all of that.”
The Cultural Significance of Celebrations
These celebrations are not merely about sport; they also reflect a blending of community and culture. The rhythmic drumming and communal dancing resemble elements of Lebanese weddings, like the zaffe and the dabke, which are steeped in tradition and joy. As younger fans participate in these cultural expressions, there is a sense of continuity and sharing of heritage, fostering a deeper connection to their team and community.
The Bulldogs’ coach, Cameron Ciraldo, acknowledged the impact of these vibrant celebrations on the players. “The players feed off the energy of the fans,” he noted, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the team and its supporters.
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
Nina Najjar, another passionate young supporter and content creator, reflected on the significance of this season’s jubilant atmosphere. She described a revelatory experience at one of the recent celebrations where older fans were teaching younger ones how to drum and perform the dabke. “There’s been a passing of the torch,” Najjar observed, emphasizing that young fans like her had not previously had many opportunities to celebrate.
The resurgence of the Bulldogs this season has not only revived hopes for the team’s future but has also instilled a sense of pride and legacy in its community. The excitement surrounding the finals has united fans of all ages, allowing them to partake in a shared experience that transcends mere athletic performance.
The Road Ahead
As the Bulldogs gear up for their finals match against the Sea Eagles, the atmosphere in Belmore is charged with anticipation. Fans are hopeful that the team’s resurgence will not only continue but also inspire further community celebrations and deepen their cultural ties.
The Bulldogs’ journey from a period of struggle to a season filled with promise serves as a testament to the resilience of both the team and its supporters. The final match represents not just a test of skill on the field but an opportunity for a community eagerly awaiting the chance to celebrate together.
The energy of the fans, especially those who celebrate their culture with joy and togetherness, makes the Bulldogs more than just a team. They represent a movement that brings sports and community together. This special bond will continue to grow as the Bulldogs move forward in the finals.
