As a lifelong Canterbury-Bankstown fan, I’ve had my share of suffering. I’ve watched in pain as they’ve spent seasons either winning the wooden spoon or flirting with winning the wooden spoon. I’ve watched embarrassing spankings, last-minute heartbreaks, frustrating fumbles, and what has become a 21-year premiership drought. And all in front of mostly empty stadiums. No drums and dancing for losers.

But I persisted, and now, with the club sitting pretty on top of the ladder after 14 rounds, and finally winning consistently again, I think I have earned the right to celebrate.

Bulldogs supporters on Burwood Road in Belfield.Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong

And I am not alone. The Bulldogs’ success is attracting so many fans, it is on the verge of becoming the biggest club in Sydney, breaking attendance records. Fans now flood Belmore after big wins, dancing in the street and banging their drums.

But there has been a backlash, particularly among rival fans, who flood comments sections, asking: “Where were these guys when they were winning wooden spoons?”

Perhaps it is fair to ask why the Bulldogs only attract these fans when they win? Why haven’t they........

© The Sydney Morning Herald