Western Bulldog legend Scott West has dismissed former teammate Adam Cooney’s claims that he was no longer welcome at the club.
Cooney, who played for both the Bulldogs and Essendon, made waves last week when he said he felt more welcome with the Bombers, despite having only played 31 of his 250 career games at the club.
However, West said he was “disappointed” with Cooney’s suggestions, adding that the 2008 Brownlow medalist was invited to several previous player roles.
“As a former teammate and person I enjoyed working with, Adam – since he’s a really nice guy. BUT unfortunately he got it VERY wrong,” West wrote in a long Facebook post.
“As an active member of the Past Player Group, there have been many, many occasions that the Past Player Committee have come up. I know this is a fact !!!
“The group of previous players stays in touch via a monthly newsletter letter Adam receives.
“We have our own fantastic room in Marvel Stadium with premium seating for all home games and at least 3-4 previous player roles per season. Adam is invited to all of these.
“Our club has worked very hard over the past 10 years to welcome all previous players back. I am disappointed with this article.
“Adam is always welcome, we would love to see him.”
West’s answer came after Cooney compared his relationship with the Bulldogs to that of Andrew McLeod with the Adelaide Crows.
“I haven’t been to the Bulldogs since I left,” said Cooney SEN SA breakfast last week.
“But I left under difficult circumstances so I haven’t been there yet. I feel a lot more welcome at Essendon than the Western Bulldogs.
“(The bombers) have just been in constant conversation with me since I retired.
“You ring the bell every few months, the former players association, and just check in. I’ve worked for the Bombers since I retired.
“Maybe it was just because it was fresh when I finished and I was an Essendon player when I retired, but I feel a lot more welcome with the Bombers for some reason.”
