IN THE DOGHOUSE: Kevin Hillier

■ Happy New Year and welcome to another jam-packed year of sport in the west. Sadly, I start the year paying tribute to two western suburbs stalwarts who passed away during the holiday period – Gwen Buckingham and Lindsay Howarth.

Gwen, and the Buckingham family, were heavily involved in the foundation of the Hoppers Crossing Football and Cricket clubs. Gwen’s husband Ian was one of the club’s pioneers, her son Shane is the football club president and grandson Ryan is one of the rising stars of the Warriors seniors. Gwen’s contribution to the club was enormous and she will be sadly missed.

Lindsay Howarth, who played more than 300 games for Spotswood Football Club, was awarded WRFL life membership last September. The Howarth name has been at Spotty for decades – Lindsay’s father Ken played in the 1946 under-19 premiership side with my father. Lindsay was one of those people who just did whatever needed doing, whether it was coaching juniors, running water or helping out.

■ One of the joys of my summer job at SEN is catching up with some great sportspeople. Last week I spoke with Ken Eastwood, a Footscray cricket legend, Victorian Sheffield Shield player and a man who played one test for Australia. Eastwood played in the controversial Sydney test when the English team walked off. On YouTube it is known as the ‘John Snow incident’. The things I took from Eastwood in the interview were gems. The 79-year-old Point Cook resident still umpires in a local competition, and though he played only the one test, he has two baggy green caps. It seems when they gave him one to try on for size they neglected to ask for its return. Being a good western suburbs boy he did not point out their error and put it in his kit bag.

■ Australia Day will again see Pennell Reserve transformed into an elite athletics venue for the running of the Maribyrnong Gift. The day kicks off at noon and will include kid’s races, a barbecue, stalls and market tents. There will be a bookie on track.

■ There is lots of footy news to share, though I am mindful there is still time for more changes. I am never convinced of what club’s say until the clearances open and we really see who is going were. I have heard that a lot of Deer Park premiership players have moved on.

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