The Essendon Football Club today mourns the passing of the club’s longest continuous member Mr Wal Appleby. Wal passed away on Monday aged 97.

Wal was born in 1918 and attended his first Essendon game in  with his father in 1927 as a nine year-old. He received his first membership from his father on his 12^th birthday in March 1930 and remained a member every year until his death last Monday. 

To put Wal’s record into some context when he first became a club member Dick Reynolds was still three seasons away from making his debut, John Coleman was five months old and the nickname ‘Bombers’ was still 11 years away. In 1930 Essendon had won 10 premierships (four in the VFA and six in the VFL) today it is 20. Of the 1125 players that have played League football for the club, 709 have played since Wal became a member.

Wal recalled, watching numerous premiership sides and champion players over the years. His favourite player was Essendon legend Dick Reynolds.

Wal was 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.

Remarkably Walr fought in the war alongside Essendon premiership Jack Jones.
 
Wal’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”!!
 
Rest in Peace Wal.