Anna is a lifelong Bulldogs fan, ambassador for the club and a director of Sydney's beautiful Doltone House. A mum of two young kids, she is deeply passionate about further involving women in the game.

How long have you been a footy fan? How did you get into footy?
I have been a footy fan since the age of 5! I grew up in the 80s when the Bulldogs enjoyed four premiership wins! Growing up in the Canterbury/Bankstown district, where the local baker made "blue and white" sandwich slice bread for children to take to school during the Grand Final lead up. A ritual enjoyed and awaited by most of us ten year olds come finals time (didn’t matter in my household whether you were male or female)...it was all about the Bulldogs! As a five year old, I still recall the 1979 grand final loss to the Dragons...I cried for 2 days!!

This is when I identified my passion for footy, and so did those around me, and have been an advocate ever since. Little did I know that the Dragons would continue to be my rival team...marrying a Dragons supporter, settling to the St George area and now having two young children drawn between the two teams. It's the girls of my family that are the Doggy fans, so it certainly seems that I will have a contribution to more female fans for the next era of the Dogs ahead.

Give us an idea of your role with the Bulldogs.
As one of the Directors of Doltone House - an award winning Sydney venue and catering collection, I am heavily involved in the strategic decisions of the company. The Directors of the company had kept a keen eye on the Bulldogs, with an interest to pursue sponsorship opportunities some time in the future. This decision was accelerated when we lost our company Founder, in fact, my late father, Biaggio Signorelli in May 2008. Along with setting up a Foundation to raise funds for research and cure into Mesothelioma (Asbestos related cancer),honouring my late father, we decided to pursue one of his passions, and that was the Bulldogs. Inevitably, he was the main result that as young children we developed such an infectious passion for the game itself and of course the Bulldogs, so we pursued conversations with the Bulldogs Directors and CEO, Todd Greenberg to become sleeve sponsors for the next three years. The synergies were easily identified, as "Family Business of the Year, joined the Family Club"...a great start to our relationship, and from our initial meeting they identified us as extremely passionate supporters!

From this, has come about mutual respect and support for one another's "operations" and "people". So many people are behind the mechanics of what make it happen week to week, as there are in our business with running functions. We are continually supporting the Bulldogs administration team
and players of course from attendance at all home games, providing iconic venues for them to host their season launch, end of year awards ceremony, press conferences, meetings etc. From this has also resulted some strong relationships with key players who admire the business, it's successes and importantly it's values.

The Dogs suffered from some image problems a few years ago, but have worked hard to turn it around and are an inspiration to everyone. Which aspect of this are you most proud of?
I am extremely proud of the way Todd Greenberg has played a significant contribution to changing the mentality and mindset of the recruitment of
the players, which is the same mentality in the business I run. On a shortlist, a player may be greater skilled, but not the best of attitudes.
When a player has a great attitude, skill can always evolve and improve with mixing with a great team to boost morale. I am also proud of Todd
Greenberg recent win as CEO of the year, which is of great significance to the turnaround of the club and the image of the club itself. We are proud
to be affiliated with the club as a major sponsor now.

Do you have any footy-watching rituals?
I am enjoying spending home games in the Chairman's lounge at ANZ these days. The atmosphere at the game is uncomparable, and mixing with
passionate people who have much in common is a delight. But some Friday nights are spent with a huge packet of chips, half which end up on the
floor, from all the jumping around that goes on...I am not one of those to keep still during the game....I like to cheer my team on (and my 2 and 3
year olds) think mum is hilarious and a little wacky during these moments! I also enjoy hearing the commentary on the tele, which is missed live at
the game!

You are a successful businesswoman, how do you think we can get more young professional women actively involved in footy?
Well I have started this my passionately advocating and vocalising support for my team in an open office environment. The events industry is largely
dominated by females, so I am rallying them along. I must admit, I have been copping a little flack of late with the back to back losses of the Bulldogs and I am becoming extremely defensive about this. The females in the office started up the season footy tipping comp which is a great initiative and also entertaining clients in the Champions lounge at home games. I know I have made a huge difference to the females in my working environment and will continue to do so. This comes naturally to me.

We believe women are truly 'the heart of the game?', do you agree?
I have to agree most definitely! There are those involved on a professional level, like the female referees, coaches, first aid officers etc Then there are those barracking for their sons, friends and partners which is wonderful. They seem to have been involved in the game from a young age in support for one way or another. To see those with no personal affiliation to the players, but as they are called, the "die hard" fans, really makes it a passion! It is just that extra bit satisfying when women are cheering their team on, and I know that my sister and I have left an impression to the those in the Chairman's Lounge as the most passionate female sponsors the Bulldogs have seen in some time, and I must say, this is genuinely "from the heart"...we wouldn’t even be there otherwise! And I know in many an interview when a player is asked so whose your biggest fan?...let's face it, most if not all say their MUM!