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Ode To The Mighty Canterbury Bulldogs



In '35 you made the grade, the first season was a disaster;
walloped by St George and Eastern Suburbs, records that stand 60 years after.

Success however came quickly making the finals the following year;
a premiership in 1938, announced that Canterbury Bankstown was finally here.

One of the top sides over the next few years, semis were regulation;
defeating St George in the '42 grandfinal meant a second premiership celebration.

Celebration turned to misery, wooden spooners in 1943 / '44;
another grandfinal in '47, Balmain 13 Canterbury 9 was the score.

Twenty years passed before the blue and whites were in the big match again;
you knocked St George out out on the way, and they'd won the previous eleven.

Two decades of languishing down the table, a change had to happen;
although in the '67 grandfinal, Souths won 12 points to 10.

The 70's came around, your fortunes began to turn;
finals appearance became common, but lack of premierships was a concern.

Until 1978 the Berries you were known;
that year you transformed to Bulldogs, a much more aggressive tone.

"Entertainers" was the name given the team of 79 and 80;
first a loss to St George, but then grand final success became reality.

The Eastern Suburbs Roosters in 1980 - your opposition;
18 points to 4 crushing, accomplishing your premiership seeking mission.

In the 80's you were the most dominant force (Parramatta fans may argue);
premierships won in 84,5,8 and an 86 loss to the Eels by two.

84 a narrow win over the Eels, '85 one point slayed the Drags;
in '88 you crushed the Tigers for a sixth premiership flag.

88 signalled the end of domination but it returned in '93;
finishing minor premiers before collapsing in the semis.

Again in 1994 Canterbury was at the top of the comp;
but you went AWOL on grandfinal day and Canberra went for a romp.

95 came around and Super League tried to tear you apart;
four straight wins for premiership 7 revealed a Canterbury full of heart.

A ninth place finish in '98 and win from there, no one though you could;
a couple of miraculous wins on the way but Bribane were far too good.


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