The Essendon Football Club and the greater Essendon Community lost one of its great stalwarts and characters when Mervyn J Atkins, 59, passed away on the morning of Monday March 27.

Mervyn, together with his brother Barry and sister Helen worked tirelessly supporting the old Second XVIII, as it used to be named, doing manual stats.

Mervyn started doing the stats for the Seconds in the very early 80’s and was part of the 1983 Seconds Premiership. He continued over those decades until ill health prevented him.

Mervyn was born in the heartland of Essendon, and grew up in Bradshaw St Essendon. He was also an extremely popular figure at Buckley Park High School and at his beloved local club, Doutta Stars.

For over 25 years, Mervyn was a reliable and methodical in his stats work with his passion being the Seconds and the VFL.

Mervyn grew up in the 1960’s and spent childhood years in the hill in front of the old scoreboard. He idolised John Birt, Don McKenzie, Jack Clarke and Ken Fraser and over the years became great mates with the likes of Paul Van Der Haar, Dean Wallis and Mark Harvey.

As a genuine loyal mate, Mervyn J left a lasting impression on all who met him. The loveable larrikin of Bradshaw St Essendon will be sadly missed.

Essendon Football Club salutes Mervyn J Atkins for a lifetime of support and commitment to the Dons.

R.I.P old mate