Centre Stephen Crichton’s epochal open letter to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, their supporters, and the entire Bankstown Bulldogs community
To the Bulldogs of Canterbury-Bankstown,
I am overcome with pride and thankfulness as I think back on the years I have been a member of this amazing club. I’m writing this letter today to thank the Bulldogs community for their unwavering love and support throughout my career, but also to celebrate that love and support.
I felt like I was welcomed into a family as soon as I set foot on the pitch. The fans’ unrelenting loyalty and the atmosphere at Belmore have been very inspirational. Wearing the blue and white to represent a club with such a rich history and strong ties to the community has been an absolute honour. I am the player I am now because of every practice, every game, and every moment I have spent with my teammates.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaching team, management, and everyone else that works behind the scenes. You have consistently supported me through my highs and lows, encouraged me to improve, and believed in me. My growth as a person and as a rugby league player has been greatly aided by your direction and commitment. You have created an atmosphere at our club that encourages perseverance, hard effort, and a feeling of community. I’ve been able to thrive both on and off the pitch because of this.
Every performance has been fuelled by the enthusiasm, devotion, and energy of the Bulldogs supporters. Your encouragement has never faltered, and you have demonstrated to me that being a member of this club is about more than simply athletics; it’s about being a part of a community that supports one another through every hardship and victory. I will always remember the encouragement you gave me, and I will always be thankful for your constant support.
Lastly, I would want to express my gratitude to the entire Bankstown Bulldogs community for fostering an atmosphere that allows young athletes like me to thrive. Discipline, humility, and commitment are virtues that I will carry with me throughout my life, and I will always be honoured to have been a member of this incredible organisation.
I will always treasure my time with the Bulldogs, and I will always be grateful for the part each of you has played in my journey, even though the future is full with potential and challenges.
With unending appreciation and reverence,
Crichton, Stephen