■ I’ve always felt life membership to be one of the highest honours you can receive in recognition for your contribution to an organisation. I cherish mine from the Western Bulldogs and was thrilled to be at Whitten Oval last week when Marie MacKellin was presented with hers. Marie has done everything but lace up a pair of boots at the Bulldogs and her years of volunteering were rightly acknowledged. On the same night, Clay Smith was part of the players’ panel, and while he has started joining some drills at training, he’s still at least nine weeks away from playing. I hope he makes it back because he’s a ripping young man and three knee reconstructions just isn’t fair.
■ Werribee and Footscray face each other for the Western Health Cup at Whitten Oval at noon on Saturday. The Tigers are undefeated so far this season and are yet to play at home. That will come on Saturday, May 7, when they take on Williamstown under lights. Werribee has lined up former Neighbours actors Kevin Harrington and Ian Smith as speakers for the pre-match dinner. Ian, who played Harold Bishop, is Williamstown’s number one ticket holder and Kevin and wife Ann recently took over Quest Werribee. The Tigers’ past players and officials day is the match against Box Hill on May 15, which is being broadcast on Channel 7.
■ My piece last week on junior football and female football sparked some interesting responses. Albion is fielding two extra junior girls’ teams this year and is looking for more players. Contact Karyn on 0407 355 498 for details. They are looking for girls from 13-15 and for a sponsor for the girls’ teams. Some parents expressed concerns about the cost and I know one club sponsor who recently paid fees for a few struggling families but didn’t want to be named. I’d love to acknowledge that sort of generosity in this column but respect their privacy.
■ Who is the oldest golfer in the west still playing competition? News from Werribee Park Golf Club tells me Billy Preston and John McLure are in the running. Billy turns 85 on Anzac Day and John will be 85 in August. Can you name someone older? While on golf, the E.J. Whitten Foundation Golf Classic is at Victoria Golf Club in Cheltenham on Wednesday May 4. Contact info@1300whitten.com.au.
Any news, let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au. Follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier, plus check out the Howdy Partners Media website as well.
