News

Four new life members inducted

Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Following Essendon’s annual general meeting in December, the club’s newest life members say they are thrilled to be recognised by the honour.

Brian Rogers, David Collins, Merna Slattery and Reg Burgess were all acknowledged for their contribution to the club over a sustained period of time.

Collins, who played 14 games for the Bombers and served on the match committee between 1983-1987, said he was humbled to receive the honour from the Board.

“I was really surprised to receive the letter from the board and I feel really humbled and proud to be recognised with a life membership from such a great club,” Collins said.

“I have supported the club all my life and the club has been fantastic to me. It has opened up wonderful opportunities and it means so much to me being inducted.”

Burgess, who played 124 games for the Bombers from 1954-1960, said the people at Essendon shaped his appreciation and love for the club.

“Playing with the likes of Bill Hutchison and John Coleman in my first year of football was an absolute thrill and I couldn’t believe my luck in all honesty,” Burgess said.

“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people through the club and I am very appreciative of the way the club has looked after me.

“To become a life member was something I never expected and I am absolutely appreciative to David Evans, Ian Robson and the rest of the board for the honour.”

Long-time club volunteer Merna Slattery said her induction as a life member was overwhelming.

“Since I retired from my profession, the Essendon Football Club has become a lifeline for me as it is my major interest,” Slattery said.

“The people I’ve met through the club have meant a lot to me and the footballers have been wonderful to me over the years.

“Overall, my time at the club has been most enjoyable and I am particularly appreciative of the life membership honour.”

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Magnificent achievement to another fantastic four Essendon faithful JLJ Canberra Bombers

- Jacqueline Hearn (posted 3/01/2012 10:30:16 AM)

Was at the AGM and it was amazing sitting back and listening to Reg Burgess talk about playing with Hutchison and Coleman. Also loved the story about Brian spying in the West Coast Eagles rooms under instruction from, you guessed it, Sheeds so that he could find out what Malthouse was up to in the second half of a match out at Windy Hill. Gold! Great night.

- Rohan Murray (posted 3/01/2012 12:28:57 PM)

The players & coaches are gifted athletes, it is the people in support roles & volenters that are the true haet & sole of our great club. congratulations to you all. Philip.

- Philip Butler (posted 4/01/2012 3:24:11 AM)

Congratulations to you all. Sounds like a well earned honour. Essendon football club is a club to be proud to be a part of. Loyalty is valuable.

- Gail Taylor (posted 4/01/2012 10:02:10 AM)

Recently met a former South Melbourne player who played in the 50's and early 60's. He was an unabashed fan of Reg Burgess and Hugh Mitchell. He stated that Burgess was unlucky to arrive around the Reynolds then Hutchison eras and was compared to them, which made it hard to shine as brightly. He felt, though, that Burgess was close to their equal. High praise from someonee who played against him. Congratulations to all inductees.

- Wesley Hull (posted 7/01/2012 11:47:00 AM)

Lovely tribute Wes,to be ranked at number 13 in the Champions of Essendon (2002) is also testament to how highly Reg is regarded amongst many other fine judges within his own Club as well :-) Congrats also to all concerned and involved.. "See The Bombers Attract More Membership,and a little towards the once in a lifetime opportunity to donate to our FUTURE in so many ways !?!" Come on good people :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 9/01/2012 1:21:35 PM)

Welldone to all four inductees , a special mention to Reg Burgess for a well deserved achievement the people of Edenhope and Apsley would be very proud, and to Marg make sure you look after him even more !!

- Angus Caldow (posted 25/01/2012 11:14:56 PM)