By Tate Papworth
One of the west’s favourite sons has been honoured as part of the upgraded M80 Ring Road.
Signage commemorating the career and legacy of EJ Whitten has been unveiled on the approach to the EJ Whitten Bridge in Keilor East.
The red, white and blue pylons are four metres high and weigh up to 700 kilograms each, emblazoned with the iconic image of EJ Whitten kicking for goal along with his signature and his nickname, “Mr Football”.
Three pylons have been installed on the Altona-bound approach while one large sign marks the Greensborough-bound approach.
EJ’s son, Ted Whitten Jnr said the artwork honoured his father’s memory.
“This magnificent new signage captures my father’s image … as a former champion footballer and personality who not only represented his beloved Western Bulldogs and the people of the western suburbs … but also symbolises his passion for his state of Victoria.”
The E.J. Whitten Foundation worked closely with the Major Road Projects Authority in the design process.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said it was a fitting gesture.
“The iconic image of EJ Whitten kicking for goal is etched in the memory of many Victorians and now we’ll all see it every time we drive over the upgraded EJ Whitten Bridge.”
