Hasler’s bill bites Dogs

DES Hasler might be long gone at the Bulldogs but his shadow hangs ominously over chairman Ray Dib heading into Sunday’s board election.

Hasler’s fight for a $ 2 million- plus payout is due back in the Supreme Court tomorrow, a timely reminder to members that the trouble the club got itself into last year is still to be settled.

Depending on how long the case drags on, one expert claimed it could cost the club $ 200,000 just in legal bills.

Dib in September said there would “be no liabilities on the club for the next two years” following Hasler’s sacking.

While the potential legal bill might seem small change in comparison to the payout Hasler is seeking, it is the circumstances that led to Hasler’s sacking that remain a sore point with some members going into Sunday’s election.

Tomorrow’s Supreme Court hearing is just another step in the legal process that could still be months away from being finalised.

The board is claiming Hasler’s contract expired in October despite an announcement last April that Hasler had been given a two- year extension.

“That is the argument,” Hasler’s lawyer, Daniel McGirr, said.

While it seems very few supporters are questioning the club’s decision to sack Hasler and bring in Dean Pay, the way the club went about it could still come back to bite Dib and his board.

Members will turn up early on Sunday morning to put in their votes before 10am at Canterbury Leagues Club.

The feeling is Dib has the numbers to get re- elected but there is pressure coming from the Bulldogs Reform Team, which includes club greats Chris Anderson, Paul Dunn and Steve Price.

Dib could not be contacted yesterday but has previously maintained he was “absolutely” comfortable with the club’s legal position.