Something remarkable happened this week as 103-year-old lifelong Bombers fan Mavis Arkinstall signed up as an Essendon member for the first time.
The Gisborne local grew up in Collingwood with a Carlton-supporting father, but held strong and knows better than most that form slumps can quickly turn around.
“I’ve supported Essendon since I was seven and I’m 103 – a long time – and I never miss a match,” Arkinstall said.
“I’m a little disappointed at the moment that we’re not doing better, but it will come good again.
“It’s been a rough trot for a few years, but it will settle down, it will have to because Essendon’s been too good of a club over the years.”
As you can tell, Arkinstall still closely follows her beloved Bombers and always watches or listens to the Dons every week.
The life member of the Kyneton Football Club said she is “very attached to the players” and will never stop supporting the side, regardless of their performances.
Visiting The Hangar with two of her children, a daughter-in-law and friend and Essendon great Greg Sewell, Arkinstall lit up the club with her enthusiasm and wit.
She had a tour through the club’s facilities, expressing how impressed she was by the “terrific gym” and even meeting legendary coach Kevin Sheedy.
“This is good, I’ll be able to tell everyone how nice it is,” Arkinstall said.
Now with a membership to match her red and black passion, Arkinstall is sure not to miss a minute of the action as the side clashes with Geelong on Saturday.
