Kevin Hillier
WHAT a wonderful gesture by the Western Bulldogs last week to name the property room after the legendary Eddie Walsh. Eddie has outlasted dozens of coaches, thousands of players and goodness knows what else in his time at the Doggies. He deserves every accolade that you could think of. Football clubs at any level exist mostly because of the likes of Eddie at the Bulldogs, Titch at Albion, Raelene at North Footscray and Allan at Werribee. The people behind the scenes are the heartbeat of any club and deserve acknowledgement, even though most do not seek it, they deserve it. If you are involved at the club make sure you give them the recognition they deserve.
THE Bulldogs are done and dusted for 2011 and it was very upsetting to see Dale Morris one of the great warriors of the club finish his season in such a horrific way. The injury to his leg is not as bad as first thought but still will take a gutsy rehab program from just before Christmas. I wish I was as sure as winning Tattslotto as I am that Dale will come back in 2012 ready to go like no other player we have seen before. His dedication to the game and the club is the best I have ever seen. He will be back better than ever.
ALTONA Football Club is looking to a big finals series in the WRFL this season and a win this week over Glen Orden will ensure them a top three place and a double chance, which is a great boost for Anthony Eames and his team for their work over the last three years. The club has always had a strong junior and under-18 component but always missed the boat at senior level in Division One. The club has organised a massive lunch and sports panel for Tuesday 13 September, which will be big regardless of what happens in the next few weeks. Confirmed already are Mark Kavanagh, Andrew Bews, Tony Jewell and Barry Michael which ensures a great day. I will have more details in the next few weeks.
THE Hoppers Crossing Sports Club is holding its annual charity Golf Day on Friday 30 September at the Werribee Park Golf Club. Teams, players and hole sponsors are encouraged to get behind this day, now in its sixth year. The event has raised over $30,000 for local charities and this year the major sponsors are PC Mobile Welding and TM Design Group. If you want more details contact Simon on 0431 841 553 or Darren 0413 607 645.
UNFORTUNATELY, there was an incident at a junior game recently where a father suffered a heart attack at the game and died the next day as a result. There was adequate and skilled help at the ground but no defibrillator. I am not saying the man would have survived if one had been on hand immediately but it certainly would have given him a better chance. I think the league, AFL Victoria and the AFL should take this up as a major priority. Make sure every club, junior and senior, have a defibrillator and a team of people trained how to use it. This would be more worthwhile than many other highly financed programs.
ANY news let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia and you can follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier plus check out the Howdy Partners Media website as well.
