THE expectation of a 2010 premiership was palpable at the Whitten Oval on Sunday as a record crowd of 12,000 turned up for the Western Bulldogs' family and community day.
Fans waited for hours to get the autographs of their favourite players and the club later apologised to those who missed out.
President David Smorgon compared the turnout with about 300 people "most of whom were the family and friends of players" who were there for the annual event 14 years ago.
"The Bulldogs are confident, optimistic and excited about the year ahead."
The six-goal haul of new recruit Barry Hall in the weekend's NAB Cup quarter-final against Hawthorn has many Bulldogs fans talking about a premiership.
Coach Rodney Eade said it was the start of a very long year and officials were playing down expectations of the club's first premiership in 56 years.
Membership figures indicate that supporters are optimistic about how the club will perform this year. As of Monday, the Bulldogs had signed up 25,953 members - up 26 per cent on last year.
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