The Essendon Football Club’s longest serving member, Walter Appleby, received a membership from his Dad on his 12^th Birthday and is still a member today.

Walter’s unwavering support for the Bombers over the past 85 years makes him the Club’s longest tenured member.

Legends of the Essendon Football Club including Simon Madden, Jack Jones and Barry Capuano surprised Walter to help celebrate his 97^th birthday and show their appreciation for Walter’s remarkable commitment to the Club.

Walter fondly recalled attending his first game at Windy Hill with his Dad watching numerous premiership sides and champion players over the years. Walter’s favourite player of all time is Club legend Dick Reynolds.

An additional link to the club was also discovered today, when Jack Jones revealed that he had fought alongside Walter during World War Two.

Walter’s passion for the Bombers shone from the moment he saw Simon Madden, Jack Jones and Barry Capuano surprise him for his birthday. Everyone had a good laugh when Walter commented “I’ve never had a birthday like this before”!!

Apart from being our longest serving member, Walter is also the first member of the 'Bombers Forever Bequest Society', a special group of proud and equally generous supporters who are preserving the Essendon Football Club’s heritage. Please click here for information on Bombers Forever.

Essendon Football Club recognises the unwavering support of their loyal members who are automatically enrolled free of charge in a recognition program and acknowledged based on consecutive years of membership. Join Walter and the Bombers by signing up as a 2015 members today by calling 1300 46 26 62.