To surprise the Pirtek Parramatta Eels' oldest member, Bill Baldwin, for his 100th birthday, we brought him out to our home game to celebrate.
Told he was leaving the house for a short trip up the road, Bill was brought to Parramatta to meet his beloved Eels.
Bill has been a supporter of the club since the beginning in 1947 and whilst he hasnt seen every match, he has seen more than most. He has always loved sport and as a local from Epping, always sits down in his full Parramatta gear to watch the game at home.
Watching the Eels take on the Panthers at Parramatta Stadium from the Cumberland Lounge was a gift from family friends, Deborah and David Sanders, who do footy tipping with Bill every week. To calm down from the big surprise, Bill accepted a cold beer and said it was the secret to his longevity.
Tim Mannah came out to present to Bill a special number 100 jersey with BALDWIN printed across the back.
What position am I playing and when do they want me to come out? he asked as he put the jersey on straight away.
Offered a 10 or a 40-minute spill, Bill said he wanted to play, More than that!
Bill had high hopes for the game, saying the Eels would surprise everyone and win 50-0.
Calling out to Jacob Loko was confirmation that the centenarian still had great vision. Jacob came over to chat to Bill, who asked if he liked playing for Parramatta. After Jacob said he did, Bill offered some sage advice:
If you dont like the club then dont play for them. Youve got to put your heart in it.
Click here and see our post match interviews with Semi Radradra and Luke Kelly.
Told he was leaving the house for a short trip up the road, Bill was brought to Parramatta to meet his beloved Eels.
Bill has been a supporter of the club since the beginning in 1947 and whilst he hasnt seen every match, he has seen more than most. He has always loved sport and as a local from Epping, always sits down in his full Parramatta gear to watch the game at home.
Watching the Eels take on the Panthers at Parramatta Stadium from the Cumberland Lounge was a gift from family friends, Deborah and David Sanders, who do footy tipping with Bill every week. To calm down from the big surprise, Bill accepted a cold beer and said it was the secret to his longevity.
Tim Mannah came out to present to Bill a special number 100 jersey with BALDWIN printed across the back.
What position am I playing and when do they want me to come out? he asked as he put the jersey on straight away.
Offered a 10 or a 40-minute spill, Bill said he wanted to play, More than that!
Bill had high hopes for the game, saying the Eels would surprise everyone and win 50-0.
Calling out to Jacob Loko was confirmation that the centenarian still had great vision. Jacob came over to chat to Bill, who asked if he liked playing for Parramatta. After Jacob said he did, Bill offered some sage advice:
If you dont like the club then dont play for them. Youve got to put your heart in it.
Click here and see our post match interviews with Semi Radradra and Luke Kelly.
