Janelle Dogan — Camden | Foundation member since 2020
My name is Janelle Dogan. I’m 62 years young and a proud lifelong resident of the Macarthur region. I was born in Camden, New South Wales, and I’ve lived in the area all my life. I’m a mother of two daughters and grandmother to two girls. I became a widow in late 2024, and I now share my home with my much-loved black Labrador, Cosmo.
My interest in football began when my eldest daughter decided she wanted to play after watching her cousin enjoy the sport. Through supporting her journey, from attending matches and watching her play to following televised games, I discovered my own love and appreciation for the game.
But it was my late husband John who had the most profound and lasting impact on that love. His passion for the game was infectious, and over time his enthusiasm became my own. He spoke about football constantly, sharing his knowledge of the game, the careers of professional players and coaches, and the history of the sport. He patiently taught me the rules and helped me develop a genuine appreciation for football.
John often described the incredible atmosphere at live matches, the passion of the supporters, and the excitement that comes with watching professional football. His enthusiasm inspired me to experience it for myself.
So, when we heard that a local Macarthur team would be joining the A-League, we were excited. We wanted to support the new club from the beginning and be part of something special within our community. Another thing made it even more meaningful: the announcement that Ante Milic would be the inaugural head coach. John had followed Ante’s career for many years, so knowing he would lead the team made the decision to join even more special. He encouraged and supported us becoming foundation members, and together we embraced the opportunity to be part of the club from the very beginning.
I became an A-League member in 2020, when Macarthur FC joined the competition – a proud inaugural, foundation member of the club. Being part of Macarthur FC from the very beginning has been incredibly special to me. It represents my local community and my passion for football, and I’m proud to have supported the club from its first season and to be part of its journey as it continues to grow.
“I wanted to be part of something that represented my local community – to create a tradition around football, spending quality time together while backing our local team.”
My favourite memory would have to be when Macarthur scored their first-ever goal in the A-League, in the 72nd minute of their inaugural match against Western Sydney Wanderers. It’s a moment that stays with you when you’ve been there from the start.
Although the club has experienced some challenges and growing pains since joining the A-League, our support and loyalty have never wavered. We have never wanted to give up on the club or its players. We have always believed in the club’s future and its potential to grow into something even greater. Supporting the club has never been about short-term success, it has been about being part of something we genuinely care about.
What we value most about Macarthur Football Club is its commitment to its members and the local community. The club provides opportunities for supporters to come together through events and activities and plays an active role in promoting community spirit and pride. Being members has allowed us to support the club both on and off the pitch each season, and that is why we have continued to renew our memberships year after year.
I share my football journey with my family, who have supported my passion for the game from the beginning. Before John’s death in late 2024, he and I attended the games together. After he passed, I went to the games alone, because I still wanted to go and enjoy the atmosphere. Now my daughter Madison and her partner Luke come with me.
“I’ve passed the banner on to others. Football has strengthened our family relationships – it creates shared experiences, traditions, and opportunities to spend quality time together.”
Last season, I had the opportunity to attend a VIP sideline experience with Madison and Luke. It was such a wonderful experience and a great chance to feel the action of the game up close. We thoroughly enjoyed it and talked about it for weeks afterwards. It brought my family closer together, strengthened our bonds, and gave us memories we’ll always treasure.
My membership gives me a sense of identity and belonging. It’s something I’m proud to be part of, and it connects me with people who share the same passion. It reminds me that football is about more than the result. It’s about community, family, loyalty, and being part of something that brings people together.
That sense of belonging is what keeps me coming back season after season. I love the excitement of match days, but it’s also about the people, the traditions, and the memories I share with my family and fellow supporters. My favourite match day tradition is heading to Campbelltown Sports Stadium, wearing my Macarthur Football Club colours. I always arrive early so I can soak up the atmosphere, watch the players warm up, and see the supporters gathering before kick-off. Once the match starts, I’m fully invested, cheering on the Bulls together with the rest of the supporters.
Even after John’s passing, I have continued to renew his foundation membership every year, because the club meant so much to him. John was a true Bulls supporter. His love for the club was so strong that he was laid to rest with his Macarthur Football Club supporter gear.
“Continuing our membership is not only a reflection of my own loyalty to the club, but a way of preserving the legacy of the support we shared together.”
To anyone thinking about becoming a member, I’d tell them to give it a go, because it’s about so much more than watching football. Becoming a member means joining a community, supporting your local club, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Every match day brings people together, whether we’re celebrating a win or standing by our team through the tougher moments.
“That’s what being a member is really about – belonging, connection, and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
