To celebrate the upcoming South West Football League volunteer recognition round, Footy HQ - WA reporter Andrew Elstermann spoke to Bunbury Football Club life members Eric Sargent and Bob Dow.
In the clubrooms of the Bunbury Football Club on a rainy Sunday afternoon I am introduced to long time volunteers and life members Eric Sargent and Bob Dow.
I’m told these two footy faithfuls built the club.
No seriously, they helped to install the roof on the clubrooms back in 1973 when the team moved to its current Payne Park headquarters.
“Eric was a carpenter and builder by trade and I was his loyal assistant,” Bob said.
“The two of us volunteered when the club moved grounds and helped add to the clubrooms.
“In the early days we considered adding another storey on to live in because we spent a lot of time here.”
In more recent times the pair have done some maintenance work on the press-box and helped to install the stainless steel in the canteen’s kitchen.
“Being retired we find ourselves doing a bit of upkeep on the club,” Eric said.
“Whatever we can do, we do, and it’s no problem.”
These two are humble and certainly tried to underplay their efforts in helping to grow and strengthen the club.
President Tom Busher swept in mid-interview to put the record straight.
“These two are not allowed to resign, quit or die. Ever!” he said.
“But seriously, they have given a lot to the club and we are really grateful for everything they have done.”
“Being retired we find ourselves doing a bit of upkeep on the club. Whatever we can do, we do, and it's no problem."
- Bunbury Football Club volunteer Eric Sargent.
It takes all sorts to keep a football club going.
“My father-in-law played for the club and I’ve been here ever since,” Eric said.
“We’ve done our fair share of odd jobs.”
“But we never played,” Bob said.
“Neither did I really, but I still love the game,” I replied.
In two years of Auskick I had just one shot on goal during a game and I have the home video footage to prove it.
It hit the post.
But I digress.
The pair admit they don’t make it to as many away games as they used to but you can find Eric and Bob at every home game doing their bit to support the club.
During this match-day, they hosted a function of past Bunbury and Margaret River players and long-time supporters with hot chips and pies, a few glasses of beer and a meat raffle on offer.
“We are a tight-knit group here in the South West and we like to put on a bit of a do for our friends when they play here,” Eric said.
“Then when we head to their home ground they do the same.”
But while it is a great chance to catch up with their friends, it is the action on the ground that keeps them coming back each week.
“We’ve been a really good club,” Eric said.
“We sure have seen a bit of success,” Bob adds.
I asked them what they would like to see happen at the club in the future.
“It would be good to get some more people down here during the week,” Bob said.
“The two of us volunteered when the club moved grounds and helped add to the clubrooms. In the early days we considered adding another storey on to live in because we spent a lot of time here."
- Bunbury Football Club volunteer Bob Dow.
With a cheeky smile Eric said a gaming room with some pokies would help to get more ladies down to the club.
“They could play for a while up in the clubrooms while the men watch the game,” he said.
“Then we could all enjoy a drink at the bar when the match is finished.”
I notice him sneak a glance at the bar.
“So long as the beer is cold here hey gents?” I say, trying to end the interview on a light-hearted note.
Eric almost looks offended.
“Oh we always get that right,” he tells me.
I hereby propose a toast to Eric, Bob and the countless number of volunteers like them who make the South West Football League what it is.
Cheers lads.
